We’re taught to communicate through words: to speak our minds, to articulate, enounce, voice our feelings.
But no matter how good our intentions, all those words can be overwhelming and confusing. Sometimes our child needs us to be quiet.
If she’s afraid, in pain, angry, she’s not open to verbosity. She can’t even hear a “I see that you’re angry because you can’t have a cookie right now,” or “It’s OK, I’ll hold you while you cry.”
Try saying nothing for a change. Be present and let your child show you what she needs.
Sometimes silence itself is healing. Our comforting touch can be so much more articulate than logic or well-chosen words.