How to Help Your Child Feel Safe Sharing Their Feelings Again 

Parenting Perspective 

Hiding Feelings Is a Form of Self-Protection 

When a child begins to hide their feelings, it usually comes from a place of self-protection. They may fear being dismissed, scolded, or misunderstood. The fact that you are noticing this and wanting to restore openness is a strong step in rebuilding trust. 

Listen Quietly Before Offering Guidance 

A practical way to reopen that door is to change how you respond when your child does share. Instead of reacting quickly with advice, correction, or judgement, begin by listening quietly. Use small acknowledgements like, ‘I hear you,’ or ‘That must have been hard,’ before offering guidance. This reassures your child that their emotions will not automatically lead to conflict. 

Show Curiosity, Not Control 

Another helpful practice is to show curiosity rather than control. You can ask, ‘Tell me more about how you felt,’ or ‘What do you think would help?’ Such questions show that you value their perspective and make them feel respected. Over time, children become more confident that sharing feelings will not result in punishment or dismissal, but in understanding. 

Repair Past Harsh Reactions 

Repair also matters. If in the past you reacted harshly, acknowledge it directly with words like, ‘I realise sometimes I respond too strongly. I want you to know it is safe to tell me how you feel.’ Children respect honesty and consistency, and this makes your love feel more secure. 

Spiritual Insight 

Gentleness and Mercy Keep Hearts Connected 

Openness and mercy are deeply connected in Islam. When children feel safe to share, it mirrors the compassionate atmosphere that Islam encourages within families. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Aalai Imran (3), Verse 159: 

‘So, it is by the mercy from Allah (Almighty) that you (O Prophet Muhammad ﷺ) are lenient with them; and if you had been harsh (in your speech) or restrained (in your heart), they would have dispersed from around you; so, then pardon them, and ask for their forgiveness (from Allah Almighty); and consult them in all matters (of public administration)...’  

This Verse shows that gentleness and mercy are what keep hearts connected, while harshness creates distance. A parent’s role is to cultivate that space of safety, so children remain close and open. 

Gentleness Is an Act of Faith 

It is recorded in Sunan Ibn Majah, Book 33, Hadith 33, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ said: 

‘Allah is gentle and loves gentleness in all matters.’  

Applying gentleness in your tone, reactions, and presence is therefore not only good parenting, but also an act of faith. It teaches your child that love, and honesty can exist together, and that mistakes or emotions are not threats to your relationship. 

By responding with patience, listening with care, and repairing with honesty, you create a home where your child learns that sharing their inner world is safe. This balance of emotional openness and spiritual guidance builds trust, resilience, and a bond rooted in mercy.