How do I help my child when they say, ‘You do not understand me’? 

It is more of a request for emotional protection than an accusation when a child says, ‘You do not understand me.’ Meet them with polite inquiry rather than a defensive response or an attempt to explain yourself. It is frequently an indication that the child is yearning for connection, even if the words seem harsh. Steer clear of logical rebuttals or hasty corrections. Before they can hear you, children must feel heard. Say something like, ‘You seem lonely right now,’ or ‘It sounds like you felt left out,’ in response to their feelings. Instead of talking over them, this shows that you are attempting to walk with them. Tell them straight out if you do not understand yet, but reassure them that you are paying attention and that you genuinely care. The objective is to establish the kind of trust that makes them think you are willing to try, not to demonstrate understanding.