Children share their feelings when they trust that the answer will be kindness. That trust is built in small moments: a calm voice, a comfortable place to sit, and time without interruptions.

Try open, gentle questions such as “What was the hardest part?” instead of “Why did you do that?” Then wait. Silence is not empty; it is often where a child gathers the courage to speak.

A Feeling Face can sit between you as a shared focus, which takes the pressure off eye contact and makes the conversation feel lighter.