Children may withhold problems if parents react with anger or criticism. Building trust through supportive listening is crucial for open communication.
Children's trust in parents depends on reactions
A child may not automatically share everything with their parents, as they often think about how their parents will respond. They might wonder if the adults will get angry, judge them, or try to fix the issue immediately.Reactions build or break trust
Carole Lozupone-Daudon explains that how adults respond to difficult topics shared by a child is crucial for building trust. If every mistake leads to shouting or criticism, a child might eventually choose to keep things private.Encouraging open communication
The professional emphasizes that allowing space for a child to speak teaches them that they can return to their parents even after making a mistake. The key message is that no matter what happens, the child can always talk to their parents.Distinguishing behavior from identity
It is important for a child to understand that their behavior does not define who they are. This distinction affects how they receive feedback. For example, saying "it's annoying" focuses on the situation, while "you're annoying" directly criticizes the child.Listening before responding
When a child shares something, Carole Lozupone-Daudon suggests listening first before reacting. Taking time to understand and showing appreciation for the child's trust can help build a stronger relationship.Setting limits without damaging trust
Some behaviors need correction or prohibition, but this can be done without breaking the trust relationship. Even when limits are set, the child should still feel supported and able to turn to their parents for help.
