17/10/2025
Sometimes kids can’t put their feelings into words not because they don’t want to, but because they literally can’t. This is called Alexithymia, a condition where children (and adults) struggle to identify and describe their emotions. They might feel sadness, anger, or excitement deeply but can’t put those feelings into words.
How it looks in daily life:
Your child says “nothing” when they’re clearly upset.
They may seem calm on the outside but later explode in a meltdown.
They avoid talking about feelings or get frustrated when asked.
They may confuse physical sensations (like a stomachache) with emotions.
Why it matters:
When children can’t express emotions, it can lead to stress, anxiety, or feeling misunderstood. Parents may misread their silence as stubbornness, when really it’s a silent struggle.
What helps?
Patience and gentle reassurance
Teaching them to connect feelings with simple words or visuals (happy, sad, angry, calm)
Creating a safe space where they know it’s okay to feel, even without the right words
Every child deserves to be understood even when they don’t have the words. Sometimes, it’s about listening beyond what they say.
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