How Do You Talk to Your Child About Their Feelings This Holiday Season? Therapist-Approved Tips

The holiday season is often painted as joyful and magical—but for many families, it can feel emotionally overwhelming. Between busy schedules, family gatherings, financial stress, and changes in routine, children may experience emotions they don’t yet know how to name or manage. As parents and caregivers, you may notice more meltdowns, withdrawal, irritability, or anxiety and wonder, How do I help my child open up?

At BrainBody Wellness Counseling, we see this every year. Supporting children’s emotional health during the holidays is a key part of mental health wellness and counseling in Arizona, and it starts with how we talk to them about their feelings.

Why the Holidays Can Be Emotionally Hard for Kids

Holidays amplify emotions—both positive and difficult. Children may feel excited and grateful, but also sad, overstimulated, or worried. Changes like travel, disrupted sleep, family conflict, grief, or divorce can quietly weigh on them. Even “happy” stress can overwhelm a child’s nervous system.

Understanding this is the first step in compassionate parenting and preventative mental health wellness in Arizona families.

Start With Curiosity, Not Correction

When a child is emotional, our instinct is often to fix or minimize: “You’re fine,” “Don’t be upset,” or “It’s not a big deal.” While well-meaning, these responses can shut down communication.

Instead, try curiosity-based language:

• “I noticed you seem quieter today—what’s going on for you?”

• “That looked really frustrating. Want to tell me about it?”

This approach communicates safety and helps children learn that all feelings are allowed—a core principle taught in child and family counseling in Arizona.

Use Simple Language to Name Big Feelings

Children often act out emotions they can’t yet describe. Helping them label feelings builds emotional intelligence and long-term resilience.

You might say:

• “It sounds like you’re feeling disappointed.”

• “I wonder if you’re feeling nervous about tomorrow.”

You’re not putting words in their mouth—you’re offering a starting point. Over time, this skill strengthens emotional regulation, a common goal in therapy and counseling across Arizona.

Listen More Than You Talk

One of the most powerful tools you have is presence. When your child shares, try to:

• Maintain eye contact at their level

• Reflect back what you hear

• Avoid jumping straight to solutions

A response like, “That makes sense—you really wanted today to go differently,” helps your child feel understood. Feeling heard is often more healing than advice.

Normalize Feelings Without Normalizing Harmful Behavior

It’s important to separate feelings from actions. You can validate emotions while still setting boundaries.

For example:
“I understand you’re angry. It’s okay to feel that way, but it’s not okay to hit.”

This balance is frequently reinforced in mental health wellness and counseling work in Arizona, especially with children learning impulse control and emotional expression.

Create Low-Pressure Moments for Connection

Not all kids open up face-to-face. Some do better side-by-side—during a car ride, while baking, or before bed. Reduce pressure by letting conversations happen naturally.

Consistency matters more than intensity. Small, regular check-ins build trust and emotional safety over time.

When Extra Support Can Make a Difference

If your child’s emotions feel overwhelming, persistent, or disruptive to daily life, seeking professional support can be a powerful step—not a failure. Child therapy and family counseling are essential parts of mental health wellness in Arizona, offering tools for both children and parents to navigate emotional challenges with confidence.

At BrainBody Wellness Counseling, we provide compassionate, evidence-based counseling in Arizona tailored to children, teens, and families—especially during emotionally charged seasons like the holidays.

A Gentle Reminder for Parents

You don’t have to say everything perfectly. What matters most is showing up with empathy, patience, and openness. These moments—listening, validating, connecting—lay the foundation for lifelong emotional health.

If you’d like support navigating your child’s emotions this holiday season, our team is here to help.

FAQs: Talking to Kids About Feelings & Counseling in Arizona

How do I get my child to open up about their feelings?
Create a safe, judgment-free environment, ask open-ended questions, and choose relaxed moments to talk. Patience and consistency are key.

Is it normal for kids to struggle emotionally during the holidays?
Yes. Changes in routine, family dynamics, and expectations can increase emotional stress for children.

When should I consider counseling for my child in Arizona?
If emotional struggles persist, impact school or relationships, or feel overwhelming, child counseling can provide helpful tools and support.

Does BrainBody Wellness Counseling offer child and family therapy in Arizona?
Yes. We specialize in mental health wellness and counseling in Arizona, supporting children, teens, adults, and families with compassionate, personalized care.