Stop Talking to Your Child About Their F...

For years, parents have been told to talk to their children about their feelings. But what if talking isn't always what children need most?

In this episode of The Child Psych Podcast, child psychologists Tammy Schamuhn and Tania Johnson challenge one of today's most common parenting messages. While emotional literacy is incredibly important, there are moments when constantly asking children how they feel can unintentionally keep them stuck in their emotions instead of helping them move through them.

Tammy and Tania explore the difference between acknowledging feelings and over-focusing on them. They discuss why children need more than conversations—they need co-regulation, play, movement, connection, and opportunities to experience competence. You'll learn when to lean into emotional conversations, when to simply be present, and how to help children build resilience without making every difficult moment the center of attention.

If you've ever wondered, "Am I talking about feelings too much?" this episode offers a balanced, compassionate perspective grounded in attachment, neuroscience, and child development.

In this episode, you'll learn:

• Why talking about feelings isn't always the most effective intervention.

• The difference between validating emotions and unintentionally reinforcing them.

• When children need connection instead of conversation.

• How play, movement, and co-regulation help children process difficult emotions.

• Why emotional resilience comes from experiencing feelings—not avoiding them or over-analyzing them.

• Practical ways to respond when your child is upset without turning every moment into a therapy session.

This conversation isn't about talking less with your child—it's about knowing when words help, when presence matters more, and how to support children in ways that foster lasting emotional health.

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