How do I avoid accidentally invalidating my child’s feelings when I try to comfort them?

In an attempt to soothe, parents frequently minimise their children’s discomfort, which might inadvertently quiet their inner selves. Generally used to calm, phrases like ‘You are fine,’ ‘Do not cry,’ or ‘It is not a big deal’ might actually make the youngster feel misunderstood or ignored. Children may learn to question their feelings or to stop expressing them entirely if these patterns are repeated. Accepting the child’s feelings is not the same as validating them. It entails accepting that their inner experience is genuine and deserving of respect. Matching their tone and pausing are also beneficial. Take a seat next to them without hurrying to correct or reroute them. Being compassionately present often conveys the message, ‘I am with you in this.’ Making your child feel emotionally seen and secure enough to be authentic is more important for fostering emotional safety than knowing all the answers. This turns into the soil in which stable attachment, empathy, and resilience grow.