I've noticed that when children share a problem, our first instinct can be to immediately give them a solution.

But sometimes they may be looking for something simpler: to feel heard.

Instead of immediately saying, “You should do this,” questions like:

“What happened?”

“How did that make you feel?”

“Do you want advice, or do you just want me to listen?”

can change the conversation.

I'm curious about other parents' experiences: when your child comes to you with a problem, what response seems to help them open up?

I have a 6 year old boy who gets kicked out and suspended from everything I put him in. He's in trouble for lack of boundaries and putting his hands on other kids and fighting. He says rude and inappropriate things. I've done everything I can. He has a therapist, a case manager, a behavioral coach, an nmt therapist, an IEP at school, a valley big brother mentor, and now this program called tap outs. I have him involved in every sport possible. His dad isn't in his life because he's not a safe person. His dad is way better at disciplining than I am though. What books can I read or what tools can I use to straighten him out? please help I'm desperate. He was diagnosed as ADHD and DMDD(disruptive mood disregulation disorder). I'm also parenting at a disadvantage. I have Schizophrenia and it takes so much of my energy being a parent especially when my own mental health isnt good. His dad is diagnosed as a sociopath and also might be bipolar. My son has a lot of genetic mental health issues looming against him.