I’ve worked with over 1,000 kids—if you want yours to trust you, do this

To establish trust with your child, it’s essential to lead by example and create a safe space for open communication. Here are six practical tips to build trust with your child every day:

1. Encourage discussing emotions: Demonstrate the importance of expressing feelings by openly sharing your own emotions, both positive and negative.

2. Address difficult topics: Avoiding uncomfortable conversations can send the message that certain subjects are off-limits. Instead, create a welcoming environment where all questions are welcomed and honesty is valued.

3. Be honest about your challenges: Even if discussing emotions doesn’t come naturally to you, be transparent about your struggles and the importance of emotional openness.

4. Model sharing: Instead of bombarding your child with questions, share your own experiences and emotions to encourage reflection and emotional awareness.

5. Incorporate real talk into routines: Integrate open communication into daily routines, like sharing highs and lows at dinner, to create a space for genuine conversations.

6. Teach coping strategies: Discussing emotions also opens the door to exploring coping mechanisms, such as deep breathing exercises, to manage difficult feelings.

Remember, trust is built in the small moments. By demonstrating openness, honesty, and active listening, you can cultivate a strong bond of trust with your child.