how can parents create a safe space for their children to express their thoughts and feelings?
Hi William, I would say the best starting point is to spend regular 1 to 1 time with each of your children. Even short, focused time - as little as 10-15 minutes - is good. The key is to put away all other distractions (phones etc!) and to do something together, letting the child take the lead if you can. It doesn't need to be expensive either - just sharing a book or a walk together, building Lego, playing snap, making cookies, going for a coffee - whatever the child loves. Even if it is the same thing every time!
Whenever you can, acknowledge and affirm your children's emotions. Even the ones you might find more difficult. It is important for a child to know that it is OK to feel angry, jealous, anxious etc. What you can then do is help them to learn how to react to these feelings well e.g. helping them to learn how to calm down if they are getting frustrated, finding strategies to handle their worries. You can also model this behaviour for them by talking about your own feelings and about how you respond to them. Don't worry if they do not always respond or share - you cannot force it - but be ready to listen and respond, and don't be surprised if it is when you least expect it or if it is always last thing at night!
By building strong foundations for your relationship in this way you will be creating safe spaces for your children and will be helping them to build their emotional vocabulary. Hope this helps. Good luck!
Parent Support Worker (and parent of 3!)