How can I help my child cope with their negative emotions?

My child has been feeling really sad lately, and I don't know how to help them.

It's tough to see your child in pain. Can you share what specific situations seem to trigger their sadness?

They get upset when they have to leave their friends after playdates.

That’s understandable. Transitioning can be hard for children. Have you tried talking to them about their feelings during those times?

Not really, I just try to distract them with something else.

Distraction can help, but acknowledging their feelings is important too. You might ask them how they feel about leaving and validate those emotions.

That makes sense. How can I encourage them to express their feelings more?

You can create a safe space for them to share by asking open-ended questions and showing empathy. Reading books about emotions can also help.