[REWIND] Parents Have Feelings, Too

Do you ever feel confused about how you are supposed to talk about your feelings as a parent? On the one hand, we are supposed to “shield” our children from the ups and downs of life and not talk about our feelings. On the other hand, aren’t we supposed to model healthy emotional expression and teach them that feelings are important?

 

Talking to your kids about YOUR feelings

We spend so much time talking about our kids’ feelings but we forget that our own feelings are equally important to address. Not only for ourselves but also in order to raise emotionally healthy kids. Feelings need to be addressed, not only in your head but in the whole family.

“Feeling your feelings is empowering”
– Caroline

What happens if we don’t talk about our feelings?

We’ve all been there, right? We tuck away the negative feelings, try to hide them, ignore them, but they always find a way out, and usually, it doesn’t look pretty. We think we’re shielding our kids from a negative experience, but really here’s what happens:

1. Kids are incredibly sensitive to the moods of adults. They can tell when the tension is building and they’ll start to make negative assumptions.
2. We’re teaching our kids that negative feelings should be hidden instead of modeling for them how to address your feelings in a healthy way.

How to talk to your kids about feelings

In today’s episode of Podcast Therapists, we get into the WHYs and HOWs of expressing your feelings as a parent. We provide you with strategies on how to talk about your feelings in a way that’s going to feel healthy and good for your family.

It will help you improve your well-being as well as increase empathy and problem-solving in your kids. So, sit back, relax, take a listen… and then tell your kids all about it!

More about Virginia Family Therapy

Virginia Family Therapy is a mental health practice serving individuals, families, and our community. VFT is designed to help people at all stages and from all walks of life by offering therapists and physicians with diverse backgrounds and specialties via face-to-face, walk-and-talk, and telemedicine appointments. Throughout, we are committed to developing strengths-based, authentic, and long-lasting relationships with you and your children. We hope to provide you with the support and insight you need to help your family navigate life’s hard times and joys.

Contact us here.

Resources and links mentioned in this episode

• Are you or your child struggling with mental health? We have a team of psychologists and psychiatrists who can help you out. Don’t hesitate to contact us here.
• Have you listened to our episode about dealing with your pandemic trauma as a parent?
• Connect with us on Instagram.