Conversation

If you’re concerned your child is experiencing a mood disorder or exhibiting behavioral changes, find the right time and space to have a conversation. This conversation is not about addressing their behavior, but finding out how they are feeling emotionally.

Don’t be fearful. They might describe their feelings as loneliness, depression, or simple sadness, and they may say they’re not even certain what they feel.  They may not know what stable emotions feel like, or know what feelings are completely normal though uncomfortable due to a lack of maturity.

Having a conversation with your child can sometimes be challenging for you both but here are a few suggestions and ways to create a space to get it started.

Remember you are also building trust!

• Set aside a time for no interruptions.

• Have a date with your child: out of the house, on a walk or drive, coffee date, where they like to go.

• Time of day they are most likely to talk.  (morning, afternoon or night owls).

(Also consider when you are most likely to listen, wink!)

• Do a chore or project together. (some of our best conversations)

• Let them start the conversation. (its okay for you to be silent and wait)

• ASK questions

• Share your own struggles to get them started

• Have empathy not judgment

• Take your time