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How can I tell if my child feels emotionally safe with me? 

Parenting Perspective

Consistent presence, predictable responses, and careful listening are the foundations of emotional safety. When a child feels comfortable around you, they will come to you openly, talk to you without holding back, and express their true feelings, even if they are messy. When they are upset, they will turn to you for solace and feel comfortable enough to say ‘no’ or disagree. Keep an eye out for indicators such as unplanned embraces, open inquiries, and laid-back body language. Your child’s emotional safety is more about how comfortable they feel being flawed around you than it is about how flawless you are. Your child may not yet feel completely protected if they hide their feelings or exhibit excessive compliance or avoidance.  

Spiritual Insight

According to Islam, the mercy and compassion that Allah Almighty has provided us are reflected in our responsibility as caregivers. Allah Almighty states in the noble Quran at Surah Al Tawbah (9), Verse 128: ‘Without any doubt, there has come to you (O mankind), the Prophet (Muhammad ﷺ) from amongst yourself; (the thought) of your suffering weighs heavily upon him, he is extremely desirous (for the best) for you, and remains most compassionate and most merciful for the believers.’ The parenting example of the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ was rooted in emotional warmth and safety. He allowed children to speak openly, corrected them gently, and made them feel valued. It is recorded in Sahih Muslim, Hadith 2319, that the holy Prophet Muhammad ﷺ stated: ‘He is not one of us who does not show mercy to our young.’ 
A child internalises the feeling that they are emotionally safe, not merely loved but profoundly seen and accepted, when they are continuously shown mercy and respect, especially in the face of misbehaviour or errors. 

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