Opening an Emotional Dialogue with Your Young Child

Mandel advises that parents begin talking to their children about their feelings from an early age in an open, honest way that will lend itself to more open lines of communication. Statistics show that kids today show more signs of depression than ever before and at earlier ages. This can only be remedied by learning to encourage them to consistently express their feelings in an honest and safe environment.

"Talking to and with our children is one of the most important things parents can do for them," says Dr. Mandel. "We must also be good listeners. Children learn how to express their feelings when they have good role models in their parents."

Mandel advises us that one of the most important things to remember is, "Try to always be patient, kind, loving and non-shaming. While it's very tempting as parents to try to control our children when we feel they are straying off the path we envision for them, it's really beneficial to them and will allow them the freedom to grow."