Suggestions

Sometimes the smallest words can open the biggest doors. Suggestions: simple, repeatable phrases offer kids a way to name feelings, slow down, and connect — and parents can use the same short sentences to model calm, safety, and acceptance. When a child is overwhelmed, tired, or upset, long explanations rarely help; a few steady words, spoken with warmth and consistency, can. These phrases work because they do three things: they name experience, offer permission, and invite a next step.

Try gentle, concrete lines you both can use. Short statements like “I’m safe,” “It’s okay to feel this,” and “This feeling will pass” give immediate grounding. When frustration bubbles, “One step at a time” or “We’ll figure it out together” turns a big, scary task into something manageable and shared. Validation is powerful: “I hear you” and “Thank you for telling me” teach kids that feelings matter and that communication leads to connection. Self-compassion phrases — “I did my best” and “Mistakes help me learn” — help children reframe perfectionism and try again without shame.

Make these phrases part of everyday life so they become natural in hard moments. Use short breathing breaks with “Let’s breathe together” or “Count with me to three” before saying anything else. If a child is angry or scared, a simple invitation like “Tell me more” encourages expression without pressure, while “I can help you if you want” gives agency and support. For transitions or bedtime, calm reminders such as “You are loved” and “You are not alone” provide a steady sense of belonging that supports emotional regulation over time.

Parents and kids can create small rituals around the phrases. Repeating them during storytime, attaching them to a stuffed animal, or writing them on little cards that live on the fridge helps the words become tools children can reach for internally. Role-play can be fun and effective: let a child practice saying “I need a break” or “Can we try again?” so they know how to ask for what they need when feelings are strong. Praise the attempt to use the phrase — not just the outcome — so the behavior is reinforced.

Remember that tone matters as much as words. Say these phrases slowly, with eye contact and patience, and pair them with soothing actions like a hand on the back or a shared breath. Use language that fits the child’s age — shorter, simpler phrases for young children, and slightly more detailed versions for older kids. I’m not a doctor or therapist, but as someone passionate about childhood development, I’ve seen how consistent, simple lines can change the experience of a hard moment into a moment of learning, safety, and connection. Keep the language kind, keep it short, and use it often.