Struggling to get your child to open up? Discover 8 key reasons kids resist sharing their feelings—and actionable strategies to create real connection.

 

As parents, we deeply want to support our children, but when we ask, “What’s wrong?” and get silence or resistance in return, it can feel frustrating and confusing. Why won’t they just tell us what’s going on? Whether your child is too young to articulate their emotions, brushes off your questions, or reacts with defiance, you’re not alone.

 

In this episode of Your Parenting Mojo, we explore the real reasons children struggle to express their feelings and how we, as parents, might unintentionally make it harder for them to share. You’ll learn practical, connection-based strategies to shift these dynamics, helping your child feel safe enough to open up—without forcing the conversation.

 

The episode builds on the ideas in my book Parenting Beyond Power: How to Use Connection and Collaboration to Transform Your Family - and the World.

 

 

 

If you want to:

😟 Be triggered less often by your child’s behavior,

😐 React from a place of compassion and empathy instead of anger and frustration,

😊 Respond to your child from a place that’s aligned with your values rather than reacting in the heat of the moment,

 

the Why You're So Angry with  Your Child's (Age 1- 10) Age-Appropriate Behavior - And What to Do About It masterclass will help you make this shift.

 

Join us to transform conflict into connection and reclaim peace in your parenting journey.

 

Click the banner to learn more!

 

 

 

01:25 Introduction of episode

02:17 How to problem solve with children who cannot verbally share their feelings

04:34 Children might resist sharing their feelings because we’re focused on changing their behavior

07:53 Children might not participate in the conversation because we judge them

11:51 Children might resist participating in conversation because we have already decided what the “correct” solution is in advance

13:30 We haven’t taken time to understand the child’s needs

16:43 The child might not tell how they feel because they don’t know how they feel

19:56 The child might not tell you what’s wrong because you’re asking them in the heat of the moment

 

Lisitsa, E. (2013, May 13). The four horsemen: Contempt. The Gottman Institute. Retrieved from: https://www.gottman.com/blog/the-four-horsemen-contempt/

Brittle, Z. (2023, May 29). D is for defensiveness. The Gottman Institute. https://www.gottman.com/blog/d-is-for-defensiveness/#:~:text=Defensiveness%2C%20defined%20as%20any%20attempt,righteous%20indignation%2C%20counterattack%20and%20whining.