Emotional Suppression & How to Create a Safe Space for Your Kids to Open Up (Encore) // by Ezza Mustaffa

<p>If you’re like me, you believe on some gut level that burying and ignoring your emotions isn’t healthy - and the research continues to back that. </p><p>A <a href="https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2011/03/110323105202.htm" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><strong>study</strong></a> from the University of Texas found that when we avoid our emotions, we’re actually making them stronger — which can create serious implications for your body and mind, including depression, aggression, low self-esteem, and physical problems like headaches, insomnia, heart disease, intestinal problems.&nbsp; </p><p>Another thing to consider, is that opening up can go both ways.&nbsp; We want to hold space for our sons and daughters, but when we’re feeling off, we make a mistake, or have big feelings, it’s also OK to share these with them in an age-appropriate way.&nbsp; It’s only by knowing our hardships and obstacles that our kids will understand how resilient, persistent, and courageous we are.</p><p>_____</p><p>Getting your tween or teen to talk to you can be notoriously difficult. We’re all used to one-word answers and hearing “fine” when we ask how they’re doing.&nbsp;&nbsp;</p><p>Today's article, "How to Get Kids to Open Up," comes from Ezza Mustaffa, a licensed professional counselor who works with individuals of all ages.</p><p>Learn about:</p><ul><li>The importance of a safe emotional environment</li><li>Reptilian brain?!</li><li>5 tips on how to create a safe space</li></ul><br/><p>Ezza Mustaffa received her Masters of Education in Community Counseling from Loyola University Chicago. She works with individuals of all ages and couples, presenting with a wide range of concerns. Ezza approaches therapy from a relational, integrative, and multicultural framework with skills grounded in mindfulness-based and evidenced-based approaches.</p><p><br></p><p><strong>Know Them, Be Them, Raise Them</strong></p><p>New episodes drop every Tuesday (and sometimes in between). Subscribe here:<a href="https://podcasts.apple.com/