Why Talking About Feelings Matters

Children aren't born with the vocabulary to describe complex emotions.

Learning to identify and express feelings is a developmental skill that grows over time through supportive relationships, everyday conversations and repeated opportunities to practise.

When children can recognise and communicate their emotions, they are often better able to:
  • Ask for help.
  • Solve problems.
  • Build healthy friendships.
  • Manage disappointment.
  • Recover after setbacks.
  • Develop empathy for others.
  • Build confidence.
  • Participate more successfully at home and school.
Children who struggle to express emotions are not being "difficult."
​
Sometimes they simply don't yet have the language, confidence or emotional awareness to explain what they are experiencing.
Helping children build emotional language early creates a strong foundation for lifelong wellbeing.
Behaviour Is Often a Form of Communication

Parents often wonder why their child won't simply tell them what's wrong.
The answer is that many children genuinely can't.
Especially when emotions become overwhelming.

Children communicate through behaviour long before they are able to explain complex emotions with words.

A child may slam a door because they feel embarrassed.
They may cry because they feel disappointed.
They may refuse to go to school because they feel anxious.
They may become angry because they don't know how to describe feeling overwhelmed.

Looking beyond the behaviour to understand the emotion underneath often changes the way we respond.
Instead of asking:
"Why are you behaving like this?"
we can begin asking:
"I wonder what you might be feeling right now?"
This shift in perspective supports emotional development while also strengthening trust between children and the adults who care for them.

If emotional escalations regularly accompany these moments, our Escalations and You guide explains how emotional overwhelm develops and offers practical strategies for supporting children during periods of dysregulation.
Every Child Expresses Feelings Differently

No two children communicate emotions in exactly the same way.
Some children happily talk about everything.
Others prefer drawing, playing or simply sitting quietly before they are ready to talk.
Some children use words.
Others communicate through facial expressions, body language or behaviour.
These differences are completely normal.

A child's personality, age, communication skills, sensory preferences, life experiences and developmental profile all influence how they express emotions.

For some children, talking about feelings may feel particularly challenging because they experience communication differences, sensory processing differences or neurodevelopmental conditions such as autism or ADHD.

Understanding your child's unique communication style allows you to meet them where they are, rather than expecting every child to express emotions in the same way.

If communication itself is making it difficult for your child to express their thoughts and feelings, our Speech Pathology team can support expressive language, receptive language and social communication development. Some children may also benefit from Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) supports, which provide additional ways to communicate when spoken language alone isn't enough.
Emotional Intelligence Begins at Home

Children learn about emotions long before anyone sits down to teach them.
They learn by watching.
Watching how parents respond to disappointment.
Watching how adults manage stress.
Watching how families celebrate success.
Watching how people apologise, repair relationships and show kindness.

Everyday interactions provide countless opportunities to teach children that emotions are a normal part of life.
Simple moments can become powerful learning opportunities.
For example:
  • Naming your own emotions in age-appropriate ways.
  • Talking about feelings after reading a story together.
  • Asking everyone to share their "best part" and "hardest part" of the day over dinner.
  • Explaining how you managed a difficult situation.
  • Showing children that it's okay to ask for help.
These everyday conversations help children understand that emotions don't need to be hidden or feared.
They can be recognised, understood and talked about safely.
Why Some Children Find It Difficult to Talk About Their Feelings
​
Parents often say:
"I know something's wrong... but they just won't talk to me."
This can be incredibly frustrating and worrying.

The important thing to remember is that not talking about feelings doesn't necessarily mean a child doesn't trust you or doesn't want your help.
Sometimes they simply don't know what they're feeling.
Sometimes they don't know how to explain it.
And sometimes the emotion itself feels so overwhelming that finding words becomes incredibly difficult.

Learning to recognise, understand and express emotions is a developmental skill that grows over time.
Some children naturally find this easier than others.

The goal isn't to make children talk before they're ready.
The goal is to create an environment where they know it's safe to share their thoughts and feelings whenever they are ready.
Children Need Emotional Vocabulary Before They Can Express Emotions

​Imagine trying to explain how you feel in a language you've only just started learning.
For many children, that's exactly what talking about emotions feels like.
Young children may only know words like:
  • Happy
  • Sad
  • Angry
  • Scared
But emotions are often much more complex than that.
Children gradually learn words such as:
  • Frustrated
  • Nervous
  • Lonely
  • Disappointed
  • Embarrassed
  • Proud
  • Excited
  • Confused
  • Overwhelmed
  • Jealous
  • Hopeful
The more emotional vocabulary children develop, the easier it often becomes for them to explain what they're experiencing before those emotions build into emotional overwhelm.

Helping children identify emotions is also one of the foundations of Emotional Regulation, as recognising feelings is usually the first step towards learning how to manage them.
Some Children Need More Time

Adults often expect children to answer questions immediately.

Questions like:
"What's wrong?"
"How are you feeling?"
"Why did you do that?"
can sometimes feel overwhelming, particularly if the child hasn't yet worked out the answer themselves.

Many children need time.
Some process their thoughts internally before speaking.
Others prefer talking while:
  • Walking.
  • Drawing.
  • Playing.
  • Building Lego.
  • Driving in the car.
  • Cooking together.
Some children may not feel comfortable making direct eye contact while talking about emotions.
That's okay too.

Often the most meaningful conversations happen naturally while doing something else together.
Removing the pressure to talk can actually make talking much easier.
There Isn't Always a "Right" Way to Express Feelings

Children communicate emotions in many different ways.
Some enjoy talking.
Others communicate through:
  • Play.
  • Art.
  • Music.
  • Writing.
  • Movement.
  • Humour.
  • Body language.
  • Behaviour.
Rather than expecting every child to communicate in the same way, it can be helpful to stay curious about how your child naturally communicates.

Meeting children where they are often strengthens trust and encourages more open communication over time.

If your child consistently finds communication difficult, our Speech Pathology team can help develop expressive language, receptive language and social communication skills. For children who need additional ways to communicate, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) may also provide valuable support.
Autism and Talking About Feelings

Autistic children experience emotions just as deeply as anyone else.
However, they may express those emotions differently.
Some autistic children may:
  • Need more processing time.
  • Prefer factual conversations.
  • Find open-ended questions difficult.
  • Experience sensory overload before recognising emotions.
  • Have difficulty identifying or describing internal feelings.
  • Become overwhelmed before they realise how they are feeling.

This doesn't mean they don't experience emotions.
It simply means they may benefit from different ways of exploring and expressing them.

Visual supports, predictable routines, emotion scales and allowing extra processing time often make conversations feel much more comfortable.

Families wanting to better understand autism and emotional development may find our Autism Resource Hub helpful. If you're exploring whether your child may be autistic, our Autism Assessments page explains the assessment process and how it can provide valuable insight into your child's strengths, communication style and support needs.
ADHD and Emotional Expression

Many children with ADHD experience emotions very intensely.
They may move quickly from calm to frustrated or excited before they've had time to recognise what is happening.
This isn't because they are choosing to overreact.
Differences in executive functioning can make it more difficult to:
  • Pause before responding.
  • Organise thoughts.
  • Recognise emotions early.
  • Manage frustration.
  • Shift attention away from upsetting situations.
Helping children recognise emotions before they become overwhelming is often one of the most valuable skills they can learn.

If your child has ADHD or you're exploring whether ADHD may be contributing to emotional regulation challenges, our ADHD Resource Hub provides practical information for families. You can also learn more about our ADHD Assessments, which help families better understand their child's strengths, challenges and support needs.
Sensory Processing Can Affect Emotional Expression

Sometimes the biggest challenge isn't the emotion itself.
It's everything happening around the child.
Busy classrooms.
Bright lights.
Unexpected touch.
Strong smells.
Crowded shopping centres.

For some children, sensory information becomes overwhelming long before they can recognise or explain how they're feeling.
The result may look like:
  • Irritability.
  • Withdrawal.
  • Crying.
  • Anger.
  • Refusing activities.
  • Emotional escalation.
Understanding sensory processing helps adults recognise that these behaviours may be a response to an overwhelmed nervous system rather than deliberate behaviour.

If this sounds familiar, our guide to Sensory Processing explains how sensory differences influence emotions, behaviour and everyday participation. Families wanting a more detailed understanding of their child's sensory profile may also benefit from a Sensory Profile Assessment completed by one of our Occupational Therapists.
Creating a Safe Environment for Conversations

Children are much more likely to talk about difficult emotions when they know they won't be judged, criticised or rushed.
Creating emotional safety doesn't require perfect parenting.

It simply means showing children that all emotions are welcome - even the uncomfortable ones.
Simple responses such as:
"That sounds really hard."
"I'm glad you told me."
"Thank you for sharing that with me."
"I'm here with you."
can have a powerful impact.

Children don't always need adults to solve the problem immediately.
Often they simply need someone willing to listen.

Building emotional safety also supports the principles of Positive Behaviour Support, which encourages adults to understand what children may be communicating through their emotions and behaviour rather than focusing solely on changing the behaviour itself. If you'd like to explore this approach further, our Positive Behaviour Support Hub contains practical guides for families supporting children with emotional and behavioural challenges.
Sometimes Behaviour Speaks Before Words

Children don't always tell us they're overwhelmed.
Sometimes they show us.
Behaviour may be saying:
"I'm worried."
"I'm embarrassed."
"I don't understand."
"I'm tired."
"This feels too hard."
"I don't know how to explain this."

Learning to look for the emotion underneath the behaviour often changes the conversation completely.

If your child regularly experiences emotional overwhelm, shutdowns or intense emotional outbursts, you may also find our Escalations and You guide helpful. It explains how emotional escalations develop, how to recognise early warning signs and practical ways to support children through periods of emotional dysregulation while maintaining connection and safety.
How to Start Conversations About Feelings

One of the most common things parents tell us is:
"Every time I ask how their day was, they just say 'fine.'"
This is incredibly common.

Many children genuinely want to share what's happening in their lives, but they don't always know where to begin.
Questions like:
"How are you feeling?"
or
"What's wrong?"
can sometimes feel too broad or overwhelming.

Instead, children often respond better to gentle, specific questions that encourage conversation without making them feel pressured.
The goal isn't to interrogate your child or solve every problem immediately.

It's simply to create regular opportunities for connection, curiosity and open communication.

Over time, these small conversations help children develop the confidence to talk about bigger emotions when they arise.

If your child often becomes emotionally overwhelmed before they're able to talk about what they're feeling, you may also find our Escalations and You guide helpful. It explains how emotional escalations develop and why children often lose access to words when their nervous system becomes overwhelmed.
Choose the Right Time

Some of the best conversations happen when children aren't sitting face-to-face.
Many children feel more comfortable talking while doing something together.
You might notice they open up while:
  • Driving in the car.
  • Walking the dog.
  • Cooking dinner.
  • Building Lego.
  • Colouring or drawing.
  • Playing a game.
  • Gardening.
  • Kicking a football.
  • Before bedtime.
These shared activities reduce the pressure of direct conversation and often help children feel more relaxed.
Rather than planning a "serious talk", look for small moments throughout the day where conversation happens naturally.
Ask Questions That Invite Conversation

Questions with a simple "yes" or "no" answer often end conversations before they begin.
Instead, try asking questions that encourage your child to reflect on their experiences.
Some examples include:
  • "What made you smile today?"
  • "What was the trickiest part of your day?"
  • "Did anything surprise you today?"
  • "What are you looking forward to tomorrow?"
  • "If you could change one thing about today, what would it be?"
  • "What made you feel proud today?"
  • "Was there a moment you wished had gone differently?"
These questions help children think about experiences rather than feeling like they are being tested.
Conversation Starters for Younger Children (Ages 3-6)

Young children often think through play and imagination.
Simple, playful questions can help them begin recognising different emotions.
You could ask:
  • "If your feelings were colours today, what colour would they be?"
  • "What made your tummy feel happy today?"
  • "Did anything make you feel worried?"
  • "What made you laugh the most?"
  • "If your teddy could talk, what would it say about today?"
  • "Can you draw how today felt?"
Books, toys and pretend play also create wonderful opportunities to explore emotions without children feeling like they are being questioned directly.
Conversation Starters for Primary School Children (Ages 7-10)

As children grow, they begin developing a richer emotional vocabulary.
Try questions such as:
  • "What was the best part of your day?"
  • "What challenged you today?"
  • "Did anything make you feel nervous?"
  • "When did you feel proud today?"
  • "Was there a time you wished someone understood you better?"
  • "What was one kind thing you noticed today?"
  • "If today had a title, what would you call it?"
Questions like these encourage children to reflect on both positive and difficult experiences while helping them develop emotional awareness.
Conversation Starters for Tweens (Ages 11-13)

Pre-teens often become more aware of friendships, school expectations and their own identity.
Open-ended questions may include:
  • "What has been on your mind lately?"
  • "What's been the hardest part of your week?"
  • "What helps you when you're feeling stressed?"
  • "Is there anything you've been worrying about that we haven't talked about?"
  • "What's something you're really proud of at the moment?"
  • "If you could change one thing about school, what would it be?"
Listening without immediately trying to solve problems often encourages children to continue sharing.
Conversation Starters for Teenagers

Teenagers usually value independence and privacy.
Rather than pushing for detailed answers, aim to create opportunities for conversation without pressure.
Questions might include:
  • "How have things been feeling lately?"
  • "What's been taking up most of your headspace?"
  • "What's something that's been going well recently?"
  • "Is there anything making life harder than it needs to be?"
  • "What's one thing you wish adults understood better about teenagers?"
  • "How can I support you right now?"
Sometimes the most supportive response is simply listening.
Teenagers don't always want advice immediately.
Often they first want to know they have been heard.
Listen More Than You Talk

When children begin sharing difficult emotions, it's natural to want to fix the problem.
Sometimes, however, the most helpful thing we can do is simply listen.
Try to:
  • Stay curious.
  • Avoid interrupting.
  • Resist jumping straight into solutions.
  • Accept pauses and silence.
  • Reflect back what you've heard.
  • Thank your child for trusting you.
Children who feel listened to are often more likely to return for future conversations.
Validate Before You Problem-Solve

Validation doesn't mean agreeing with everything your child says.
It means recognising that their emotions are real.
Instead of saying:
"You're overreacting."
Try:
"I can see that this feels really important to you."
Instead of:
"You'll get over it."
Try:
"That sounds like it was really disappointing."
Validation helps children feel understood, even when adults see the situation differently.

Once children feel heard, they are often much more open to exploring solutions together.

This approach also supports healthy Emotional Regulation, as children gradually learn that difficult emotions can be recognised, accepted and managed without needing to be ignored or feared.
Follow Their Lead

Not every child wants to talk immediately.
Some children need time.
Others may return hours - or even days - later when they feel ready.

Keeping the door open is often more valuable than expecting immediate answers.
Simple comments such as:
"Whenever you're ready, I'm here."
"We don't have to talk right now."
"You can always come back to this later."

help children know that support is available without pressure.
These small moments build trust over time and often create the strongest foundations for future conversations.
When Talking Is Still Difficult

Some children continue finding it difficult to express emotions despite supportive conversations at home.
Communication differences, anxiety, trauma, sensory processing differences and neurodevelopmental conditions can all make talking about feelings more challenging.

If you're concerned about your child's ability to recognise or communicate emotions, early support can make a significant difference.

Depending on your child's needs, this may include Speech Pathology to strengthen communication skills, Occupational Therapy to support emotional regulation and sensory processing, Counselling to help children explore emotions in a safe environment, or Positive Behaviour Support where behaviour is communicating unmet needs. Working together, these services can help children develop confidence in understanding and expressing their emotions in ways that work for them and their families.
Activities That Help Children Express Their Feelings

Children don't always learn about emotions through conversations alone.
Many children understand and express feelings much more easily when they're playing, drawing, moving or creating.

Activities allow children to explore emotions without feeling like they're being questioned.

They also help make conversations about feelings a natural part of everyday family life rather than something that only happens when a child is upset.

Remember, the goal isn't to complete every activity perfectly.

It's to create opportunities for curiosity, connection and emotional learning.

If your child regularly struggles to recognise or manage their emotions, our Emotional Regulation guide includes additional practical strategies that can be incorporated into everyday routines at home, school and in the community.
Create a Feelings Vocabulary Together

Children can't describe emotions they don't yet have words for.
One of the simplest activities is building a family "feelings vocabulary."
Instead of only using words like happy, sad and angry, introduce a wider range of emotions such as:
  • Excited
  • Proud
  • Nervous
  • Frustrated
  • Embarrassed
  • Disappointed
  • Lonely
  • Curious
  • Hopeful
  • Confused
  • Calm
  • Worried
  • Grateful
  • Overwhelmed
You don't need to teach all of these at once.

Simply introduce new words naturally during everyday conversations.
For example:
"You look really proud of what you built."
"I wonder if you were feeling disappointed when that happened?"
​
The more emotional language children hear, the easier it often becomes for them to recognise and express those same emotions themselves.
Use a Feelings Wheel

A feelings wheel is one of the most effective tools for helping children identify emotions.
Rather than asking,
"How are you feeling?"
children can simply point to a word or picture that best matches their experience.

Many children find this much easier than thinking of the word themselves.

Over time, the feelings wheel also helps expand emotional vocabulary beyond simple emotions like happy or sad.
You might leave a feelings wheel on the fridge or use one during bedtime conversations.

If your child finds it difficult to describe emotions using words alone, our Speech Pathology team can help develop expressive language skills that support emotional communication in everyday situations.
Draw Your Feelings

Some children communicate far more comfortably through drawing than talking.
Invite your child to draw:
  • The best part of their day.
  • The hardest part of their day.
  • What happiness looks like.
  • What worry looks like.
  • What bravery looks like.
  • What calm feels like.
Rather than interpreting the drawing yourself, ask gentle questions such as:
"Tell me about your picture."
"What was happening here?"
"How was this person feeling?"
Children often share far more through their artwork than they would during a direct conversation.
Play "Best Part, Hardest Part"

One of the easiest family activities is ending each day by sharing:
  • The best part of your day.
  • The hardest part of your day.
  • Something you're grateful for.
  • Something you're looking forward to tomorrow.
When adults participate as well, children learn that everyone experiences a mix of emotions throughout the day.

This simple routine also helps normalise conversations about feelings and creates regular opportunities for connection.
Read Books That Explore Emotions

Stories provide a safe way for children to explore emotions without needing to talk directly about themselves.
After reading together, you might ask:
  • "How do you think that character felt?"
  • "Have you ever felt like that?"
  • "What helped the character?"
  • "What would you have done?"
Talking about fictional characters often feels less threatening than talking about personal experiences, particularly for younger children.
Use Everyday Moments as Teaching Opportunities

Some of the best conversations about emotions happen naturally.
For example:
If your child loses a game, you might say:
"It's okay to feel disappointed. Losing can be really hard sometimes."
If they're excited about a birthday:
"You seem really excited. I can see you've been looking forward to this all week."
If they're nervous before school:
"It makes sense to feel nervous when something feels new."

These simple comments teach children that all emotions are normal and can be talked about openly.
Explore Feelings Through Play

Children often process experiences through play.
Pretend play, dolls, action figures, toy animals and puppets all provide opportunities to explore emotions in a safe and creative way.
You might ask:
"How is Teddy feeling today?"
"Why do you think the dinosaur is angry?"
"What could Bunny do if they felt worried?"
Many children find it easier to talk about emotions when they're discussing a toy or character rather than themselves.
Help Children Notice What Their Body Is Telling Them

Emotions don't just happen in our minds.
They also create physical sensations in our bodies.

Helping children notice these sensations builds emotional awareness.
You might ask:
  • "Where do you feel worry in your body?"
  • "What does excitement feel like?"
  • "What happens to your tummy when you're nervous?"
  • "What does calm feel like?"
Understanding these physical signs often helps children recognise emotions earlier, before they become overwhelming.

If your child regularly experiences intense emotions or emotional overwhelm, our Escalations and You guide explains how recognising these early warning signs can help prevent emotional escalations from reaching their peak.
Celebrate Every Conversation

Not every conversation needs to end with a solution.
Sometimes the most important achievement is simply that your child chose to share something with you.

When children talk about difficult emotions, try to acknowledge their courage.
Simple responses such as:
"Thank you for telling me."
"I'm really glad you shared that with me."
"That must have taken courage."
help reinforce that talking about feelings is safe and valued.

The more positive experiences children have when expressing emotions, the more likely they are to continue doing so as they grow.
Every Child Learns Differently

Some children enjoy talking.
Others learn best through:
  • Drawing.
  • Movement.
  • Music.
  • Building.
  • Storytelling.
  • Role play.
  • Visual supports.
  • Everyday routines.
There is no single "right" way to help children express their feelings.

The most effective approach is the one that matches your child's interests, communication style and individual strengths.

If you're unsure which strategies are likely to work best for your child, an Occupational Therapist can help identify sensory preferences, emotional regulation strategies and everyday routines that support participation and wellbeing. Where communication differences are making it difficult for your child to express emotions, our Speech Pathology team can work alongside families to build the communication skills that support emotional understanding and connection.
What to Say (and What to Avoid Saying)

When children share their thoughts and feelings, the words we choose can either encourage future conversations or unintentionally shut them down.

Most parents respond with the very best intentions. We naturally want to comfort our children, fix problems and make difficult emotions disappear as quickly as possible.

Sometimes, however, children simply need to know that someone is listening.
They don't always need immediate advice.
They don't always need solutions.
Often, they need to feel understood.

Creating a safe space for emotions doesn't mean agreeing with everything your child says. It means showing them that their feelings are real, important and worth talking about.
Helpful Things to Say

Simple, supportive responses often have the greatest impact.
You might try saying:
  • "I'm really glad you told me."
  • "Thank you for sharing that with me."
  • "That sounds really difficult."
  • "I can understand why you might feel that way."
  • "I'm here with you."
  • "Take your time."
  • "Would you like me to listen or help you solve it?"
  • "It's okay to have big feelings."
  • "We'll work through this together."
These responses help children feel heard without placing pressure on them to immediately "feel better."

Over time, these conversations strengthen trust and encourage children to continue sharing their emotions as they grow.
Responses That Can Accidentally Shut Conversations Down

Every parent has said something they later wished they had phrased differently.
When we're busy, tired or worried ourselves, it's easy to jump into problem-solving before children feel heard.
Where possible, try to avoid phrases such as:
  • "You're fine."
  • "Don't be silly."
  • "Stop crying."
  • "It's not a big deal."
  • "You'll get over it."
  • "Other children have it worse."
  • "Just calm down."
  • "There's nothing to worry about."
Although these comments are usually intended to reassure, children may instead hear:
"My feelings aren't important."
or
"I shouldn't talk about this."
Instead, acknowledge the emotion first before exploring solutions together.
Remember That Every Emotion Is Welcome

There are no "good" emotions or "bad" emotions.
There are comfortable emotions.
And uncomfortable emotions.

Happiness, excitement and pride often feel pleasant.
Sadness, disappointment, frustration and anger may feel uncomfortable.

However, every emotion serves a purpose.

Helping children understand that all emotions are acceptable - while also teaching safe ways to express them - supports emotional wellbeing throughout life.

This approach also strengthens Emotional Regulation, as children gradually learn that emotions don't need to be ignored, feared or hidden. They can be recognised, understood and managed in healthy ways.
When Professional Support May Help

Every child experiences difficult emotions from time to time.

However, there are situations where additional support may be beneficial.
You may wish to seek professional advice if your child:
  • Finds it consistently difficult to identify or express emotions.
  • Frequently becomes emotionally overwhelmed.
  • Experiences regular emotional escalations.
  • Appears anxious, withdrawn or persistently unhappy.
  • Has difficulty participating at school or in everyday activities.
  • Struggles to make or maintain friendships.
  • Becomes increasingly frustrated because they cannot communicate their thoughts or feelings.
  • Is experiencing changes that are significantly affecting their wellbeing.
Seeking support doesn't mean you've done anything wrong.

In many cases, early support helps families better understand their child's strengths while providing practical strategies that make everyday life easier for everyone.
How Belong Health Can Help

At Belong Health, we understand that talking about feelings is influenced by many different factors, including communication, sensory processing, emotional regulation, life experiences and a child's individual development.

Our multidisciplinary team works alongside children and families to understand the whole picture rather than focusing on one behaviour or one challenge in isolation.

Depending on your child's goals and needs, support may include:

Occupational Therapy
Our Occupational Therapists help children develop emotional regulation, sensory processing, executive functioning and everyday participation skills. If emotional regulation is affecting home, school or community participation, an Occupational Therapy Assessment can help identify practical strategies tailored to your child's individual strengths and needs.

Speech Pathology
Sometimes children know exactly how they feel but struggle to communicate it. Our Speech Pathology team supports expressive language, receptive language and social communication development, helping children build the skills they need to express their thoughts, feelings and needs with greater confidence. For some children, Augmentative and Alternative Communication (AAC) may provide additional ways to communicate effectively.

Positive Behaviour Support
Behaviour often communicates an unmet need. Our Positive Behaviour Support practitioners work with families to understand why behaviours are occurring and develop practical, person-centred strategies that improve participation, independence and quality of life. Where appropriate, this may include a Functional Behaviour Assessment and an individualised Behaviour Support Plan.

Counselling
Our Counselling services provide children, adolescents and families with a safe, supportive space to explore emotions, build resilience and develop practical coping strategies. We also support parents and carers who are navigating the emotional challenges that can arise when supporting a child with complex needs.

Psychology Assessments
Where families are seeking a better understanding of their child's learning profile, attention, behaviour or neurodevelopment, our Psychology Assessments, including Autism Assessments and ADHD Assessments, can provide valuable information to guide future supports and recommendations.
Every Conversation Matters

Helping children talk about their feelings isn't about finding the perfect words.
​
It's about creating an environment where they know their thoughts, emotions and experiences matter.
Some conversations will last only a few minutes.
Others may happen gradually over weeks, months or even years.

Every time you listen without judgement, acknowledge your child's emotions and let them know they are safe to share, you are helping build skills that can support their emotional wellbeing throughout life.

Progress doesn't happen overnight.

It happens one conversation at a time.
Ready to Support Your Child's Emotional Wellbeing?

If you're concerned about your child's emotional development, communication, behaviour or emotional regulation, Belong Health is here to help.

Our experienced multidisciplinary team works alongside children and families to better understand each child's unique strengths, challenges and goals, providing practical, evidence-informed support that makes a meaningful difference in everyday life.

Contact Belong Health today to learn more about our Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Positive Behaviour Support, Counselling and Psychology Assessment services, or book a free initial discussion to explore the most appropriate support for your child and family.

Related Resources

If you found this guide helpful, you may also like to explore:

Emotional Regulation
Our Emotional Regulation guide explains how children develop self-regulation skills and includes practical strategies for supporting emotional wellbeing in everyday life.

Escalations and You
If your child experiences emotional outbursts or periods of emotional overwhelm, our Escalations and You guide explains the emotional escalation cycle, early warning signs and practical ways to respond calmly and confidently.

Positive Behaviour Support Hub
Our Positive Behaviour Support Hub brings together practical articles about behaviour, emotional regulation, Functional Behaviour Assessments and Behaviour Support Plans for children and families.

Autism Resource Hub
Our Autism Resource Hub includes evidence-informed information about communication, emotional regulation, sensory processing, school participation and everyday supports for autistic children and their families.

ADHD Resource Hub
Visit our ADHD Resource Hub to learn more about executive functioning, emotional regulation, attention, learning and practical strategies that support children at home and at school.

Speech Pathology Resources
Our Speech Pathology resources explore communication development, expressive language, social communication, AAC and practical ways to help children communicate with confidence.
Frequently Asked Questions - Helping Your Child Talk About Their Feelings

​Why is it important for children to talk about their feelings?
Talking about feelings helps children recognise emotions, develop emotional regulation, strengthen relationships and build healthy coping skills. When children learn to express emotions safely, they are often better able to ask for help, solve problems and manage everyday challenges.

At what age should children start learning about emotions?
Children begin learning about emotions from infancy through their relationships with parents and carers. As language develops, they gradually learn to identify, name and express different feelings. Emotional learning continues throughout childhood and adolescence.

How can I help my child talk about their feelings?
Create regular opportunities for relaxed conversations, listen without judgement, validate your child's emotions and model healthy emotional expression yourself. Everyday moments such as driving, walking or reading together often provide natural opportunities to talk.

What if my child won't talk to me?
Some children need more time before they feel ready to talk.
Rather than forcing conversations, continue creating a safe, supportive environment where your child knows they can share when they are ready. Some children also communicate more comfortably through play, drawing, music or other creative activities.

Why does my child say "I don't know" when I ask how they feel?
Many children genuinely struggle to identify or describe their emotions.
Developing emotional vocabulary takes time. Helping children learn new feeling words and talking about emotions during calm moments can gradually build their confidence.

What are some good questions to ask my child about their feelings?
Questions that encourage conversation include:
What was the best part of your day?
What was the hardest part?
Did anything make you feel proud today?
Was there anything that worried you?
If today had a title, what would it be?
These questions often feel less overwhelming than simply asking, "How are you feeling?"

Is it normal for children to have big emotions?
Yes.
All children experience strong emotions from time to time. Feeling angry, disappointed, excited, worried or frustrated is a normal part of development. The goal is not to avoid emotions but to help children recognise and express them in healthy ways.

How do children learn emotional regulation?
Children develop emotional regulation through supportive relationships, repeated experiences and opportunities to practise recognising and managing emotions. Parents, carers, teachers and other trusted adults all play an important role.

Can talking about feelings improve emotional regulation?
Yes.
When children can identify and name their emotions, they are often better able to understand what they are experiencing and choose helpful ways to respond.

What if my child becomes upset instead of talking?
Some children experience emotions so intensely that they find it difficult to talk until they have calmed down.
Supporting your child to regulate first, then talking once they feel safe, is often more effective than expecting them to explain themselves while they are overwhelmed.

Why does my child express emotions through behaviour?
Behaviour is often a form of communication.
Children may show frustration, anxiety or sadness through their behaviour before they have the language to explain what they are feeling.

Can communication difficulties affect emotional expression?
Yes.
Children who find it difficult to communicate may also struggle to explain their emotions, which can lead to frustration or emotional escalations. Building communication skills often makes talking about feelings easier.

What if my child has autism?
Autistic children experience the same range of emotions as everyone else but may communicate or process them differently. Some benefit from visual supports, extra processing time or predictable routines when discussing emotions.

Can ADHD affect emotional expression?
Yes.
Many children with ADHD experience emotions intensely and may find it difficult to recognise emotions before they become overwhelming. Supporting emotional awareness and emotional regulation can make a significant difference.

Can sensory processing affect emotions?
Yes.
Children who experience sensory overload may become emotionally overwhelmed more quickly. Understanding sensory preferences can help families create supportive environments that reduce stress.

Should I encourage my child to talk immediately after an emotional outburst?
Usually it is more helpful to wait until your child has returned to a calm and regulated state before discussing what happened. Children generally think more clearly and communicate more effectively once they have recovered emotionally.

Is it okay if my child cries?
Absolutely.
Crying is a normal way of expressing emotion. Rather than trying to stop tears immediately, focus on providing comfort, reassurance and emotional safety.

What should I avoid saying?
Try to avoid dismissing or minimising your child's feelings with phrases such as "You're fine" or "Stop crying." Acknowledging emotions first often creates more productive conversations.

How do I teach emotional vocabulary?
Talk about emotions during everyday experiences, read books together, use emotion cards or feelings wheels and model emotional language yourself.

What are feelings wheels?
Feelings wheels are visual tools that help children identify and describe emotions. Many children find it easier to point to an emotion than think of the word themselves.

Can books help children understand emotions?
Yes.
Stories provide excellent opportunities to explore different emotions, empathy and problem-solving through fictional characters and everyday situations.

Are games and play good ways to teach emotions?
Absolutely.
Pretend play, role play, drawing, storytelling and board games all create natural opportunities for children to recognise and express emotions.

Should I solve my child's problems straight away?
Not always.
Sometimes children simply need someone to listen before exploring solutions together.

Is listening more important than giving advice?
Often, yes.
Feeling heard helps children feel safe and understood, making them more likely to continue sharing their thoughts and emotions.

What if my child struggles to make friends?
Difficulty with friendships may sometimes be linked to communication, emotional regulation or social understanding. Professional support may help identify practical strategies to build confidence and participation.

Can school affect my child's emotions?
Yes.
School places many demands on children, including learning, friendships, communication and managing busy sensory environments. These experiences can all influence emotional wellbeing.

Why does my child only open up at bedtime?
Many children feel more relaxed once the day has slowed down. Bedtime often provides a quiet, predictable environment where they feel safe to talk.

Can routines help children express emotions?
Yes.
Predictable routines help children feel secure and often create regular opportunities for meaningful conversations.

When should I seek professional support?
You may wish to seek support if your child consistently struggles to express emotions, experiences frequent emotional escalations or if emotional difficulties are affecting home, school or everyday life.

Can Occupational Therapy help?
Yes.
Occupational Therapists can support emotional regulation, sensory processing, executive functioning and participation in everyday activities.

Can Speech Pathology help children talk about feelings?
Yes.
Speech Pathologists support communication development, expressive language and social communication, helping children communicate thoughts and emotions more effectively.

Can counselling help?
Counselling provides children with a safe environment to explore emotions, develop coping strategies and strengthen emotional wellbeing. Parents and carers may also benefit from counselling support.

Can Positive Behaviour Support help?
Yes.
Positive Behaviour Support focuses on understanding why behaviours occur and developing practical strategies that improve quality of life while building new skills.

Does Belong Health support families?
Yes.
Belong Health provides Occupational Therapy, Speech Pathology, Positive Behaviour Support, Counselling and Psychology Assessments for children, adolescents and families throughout Perth, Mandurah and via Telehealth across Western Australia.
Home Therapy Packs
At Belong Health, we are dedicated to providing tailored support that meets the unique needs of each child. Developed by our Paediatric Occupational Therapists, Speech Pathologists and Counsellor our Home Therapy Packs are specifically designed to align with NDIS goals, offering flexible, practical, and engaging activities for children at home.
To further enhance your approach, consider our Home Therapy Packs, specifically designed to support communication development at home.
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​Referrals to Belong Health
We are Medicare and Private Health fund registered for Occupational Therapy and Speech Pathology.

EPC/Team care arrangements/Chronic disease (CDM) or GP management plans and self-referrals are all acceptable.

WA NDIS Registered Provider  
Medicare
You can get a referral from your/your child’s GP for OT on a Chronic Disease Management (CDM) plan this gives you 5 sessions for OT per calendar year with a $53 rebate available on each session or a Helping Children with Autism/PDD/ or an eligible disability package (20 sessions between allied health professionals, as set up by a Paediatrician/Psychiatrist) which gives your child under 16 years a $75 rebate per session for the 20 sessions, you can use up to 10 sessions per Health Professional (up to 10 for OT) and you will need a separate referral letter from your child’s Paediatrician for each Allied Health Professional you are seeking services from. 
Private Health
Your Private Health fund may cover up to 75% of the cost of OT sessions if this is included in your cover, be sure to call them or check your policy for details.

No referral or self referral
You do not require a referral for accessing OT
NDIS Registered Provider
We are an NDIS Registered Provider
Whether you or your child have NDIS funding that is NDIS Managed, Third Party Plan Managed or you are Self-Managing your funds, you are able to use your funding to cover the full cost of therapy services plus travel costs. You will need provide us with your/your child’s NDIS number and plan details ahead of your first session. Once you have booked a session or contacted us, our team will be in touch to discuss our service agreement and provide you with our services price list. 

13 Littleton st, Falcon

Phone: 08 9586 3934

EMAIL US
OFFICE HOURS:         MONDAY TO FRIDAY 8:30am - 4:30pm

BELONG HEALTH'S Paediatric Occupational Therapy SERVICES FOR Perth region

A: Alexander Heights, Alfred Cove, Applecross, Applecross North, Ardross, Armadale, Ascot, Ashby, Ashfield, Attadale, Atwell, Aubin Grove, Aveley
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V: Victoria Park
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Y: Yangebup, Yokine​
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