In this episode of Beautifully Complex, I tackle why our kids and teens might use extreme language to express their emotions. We're recognizing that expressions like "I hate you" or phrases that include aggression or violence often aren't literal but signal an inability to articulate complex emotions.
I talk about the importance of distinguishing between different feelings and emphasize the role parents play in guiding their kids to understand and communicate their emotions more precisely. Through my experiences and the stories I share — like my child's alarming description of a recess incident — I highlight how easy it is to misunderstand our kids' emotional needs.
We'll unpack essential skills like social emotional learning, interoception, and how to be the calm anchor for your kids. Listen in for practical strategies to improve your child’s emotional communication.
263: Understood Explains IEPs from Understood.org
262: Emotional Support Animals, with Dan Maigler, LCSW
259: Insights on Bullying: Understanding Aggression, Building Resilience, with Brooks Gibbs, Ph.D.
260: Navigating Life Challenges with Purpose and Progress (not perfection), with Shari Leid
258: What to Do When Your Kid Isn’t Listening, with Penny Williams
257: The Control Trap, with Penny Williams
256: Breaking Down Motivation: Helping Teens and Young Adults Find Their Path to Success, with Melanie McNally, Psy.D.
255: 7 Steps to Help Kids & Teens with Rejection Sensitive Dysphoria, with Penny Williams
254: How to Be a Neuro-Affirming Parent or Teacher, with Emily Kircher-Morris, M.A., M.ED., LPC
253: Beyond the Power Struggles, with Richard Selznick, Ph.D.
252: Transforming Behavior: When You Know Better You Do Better, with Penny Williams
251: Impact of Parental Confidence and Social Pressure on Parenting Complex Kids, with Anouk Briere-Godbout
250: Recognizing Children's Unique Love Languages, with Emily Hamblin
249: Helping Neurodivergent Young Adults, with Dr. Janina Elbert Maschke
248: Successes Change Everything, No Matter How Small, with Penny Williams
247: Listening Isn’t a Behavior You Can See, with Elizabeth A. Sautter, MA, CCC, SLP
246: Make this the Year of Connection and Collaboration, with Penny Williams
245: Supporting Siblings of Neurodivergent Kids with Doreen Samelson, EdD, MSCP
244: Is It Can’t or Won’t?, with Penny Williams
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