If you’re like me, you believe on some gut level that burying and ignoring your emotions isn’t healthy - and the research continues to back that.
A study from the University of Texas found that when we avoid our emotions, we’re actually making them stronger — which can create serious implications for your body and mind, including depression, aggression, low self-esteem, and physical problems like headaches, insomnia, heart disease, intestinal problems.
Another thing to consider, is that opening up can go both ways. We want to hold space for our sons and daughters, but when we’re feeling off, we make a mistake, or have big feelings, it’s also OK to share these with them in an age-appropriate way. It’s only by knowing our hardships and obstacles that our kids will understand how resilient, persistent, and courageous we are.
_____
Getting your tween or teen to talk to you can be notoriously difficult. We’re all used to one-word answers and hearing “fine” when we ask how they’re doing.
Today's article, "How to Get Kids to Open Up," comes from Ezza Mustaffa, a licensed professional counselor who works with individuals of all ages.
Learn about:
- The importance of a safe emotional environment
- Reptilian brain?!
- 5 tips on how to create a safe space
Ezza Mustaffa received her Masters of Education in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago. She works with individuals of all ages and couples, presenting with a wide range of concerns. Ezza approaches therapy from a relational, integrative, and multicultural framework with skills grounded in mindfulness-based and evidenced-based approaches.
Know Them, Be Them, Raise Them
New episodes drop every Tuesday (and sometimes in between). Subscribe here: Apple, Spotify, Google. And leave a 5-star review, I'd greatly appreciate it!
