Empathy Statements

When we recognize and name the emotions of your child, look from their perspective, and convey our understanding and support we are being empathetic. This establishes the rapport, trust, and closeness you want with your tween. Use the statements below to boost your bond. And remember, naming their emotions is a good thing.

INFORMATION

Walk me through it, please.
Tell me your ideas.
What do you want to do first?
What’s getting in your way?
Tell me what else happened.
Is that what you meant?
What were you thinking about?
What resources do you need?

Observations

It’s hard to believe that happened.
This mattered to you.
You cared so much about….
It must have been hard for you to hold it together.
This isn’t easy.
That makes sense.
That had to be hard to hear.
You weren’t expecting that.
This is a tough spot.
That/he/she meant a lot to you.

I statements

I’ll stand with/by you.
I hear you.
I can see how annoyed you are.
I wish I could say yes.
I’d feel devastated, too.
I agree with you.
I get that you didn’t know what to do.
I’ve got all the time in the world for you.

Naming emotions

It’s hard feeling so NAME THEIR EMOTION.
That is NAME THEIR EMOTION for you.
You want to understand it.
This must have been _________ for you.
You’re feeling NAME THEIR EMOTION.
You were caught off guard.
It’s confusing.
You’re torn between the two.
That sounds harsh.
You feel strongly about this.
Dealing with disappointment sucks.

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