It can be difficult to get your child to talk about their mood. They may even not have understood their feelings or may not yet have the right vocabulary to express them. Also, they may feel guilt or shame about their behavior. This chapter describes the gentlest ways you can start a conversation with your child.

Find the right time and the right place to talk You may be worried about your child, but be sure not to rush to "fix" the situation that is causing you concern. Instead, take your time and try to choose the appropriate moment to discuss your child's feelings.

Remember that your child may feel just as confused as you do. Therefore, be patient and, no matter how much you want to talk to them about their feelings, don’t announce that "now we will sit down to talk." Such an approach may seem too formal to them and cause hesitation.

Also, it is a good idea to avoid handling the situation if your child is in the middle of a tantrum. It is wise to wait until they calm down a bit.