Validating Your Childs Feelings
- posted: Mar. 24, 2026
- ADHD
Validating your child’s feelings helps them feel understood, builds connection, and takes the edge off tense situations. Validation communicates to your child or teen that their thoughts and feelings make sense, even if you disagree with their reaction. Actively listen and reflect back what you hear to show your child that you understand. Say, “I get that you’re upset with me because I don’t want you to go out right now. I know it feels unfair that your friends can stay out.”
Don’t jump to solving problems or trying to make your child “feel better.” If your child expresses that they’re worried about a math test, say, “I know how important getting good grades is to you. I hear that you're nervous.” Saying “You’re going to do great!” may make your child feel like what they’re feeling — nervousness — isn’t okay.
- posted: Mar. 24, 2026
- ADHD
Validating your child’s feelings helps them feel understood, builds connection, and takes the edge off tense situations. Validation communicates to your child or teen that their thoughts and feelings make sense, even if you disagree with their reaction. Actively listen and reflect back what you hear to show your child that you understand. Say, “I get that you’re upset with me because I don’t want you to go out right now. I know it feels unfair that your friends can stay out.”
Don’t jump to solving problems or trying to make your child “feel better.” If your child expresses that they’re worried about a math test, say, “I know how important getting good grades is to you. I hear that you're nervous.” Saying “You’re going to do great!” may make your child feel like what they’re feeling — nervousness — isn’t okay.
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