The hardest part: A lot of us were taught that we should use these phrases. But these phrases unfortunately don't help anyone learn how to be strong or how to overcome things that make them sad. They do teach one to hide (which is not the same as processing what they are feeling). It's crucial to shift our focus from mere verbal responses to fostering an environment that encourages genuine emotional processing and resilience-building. This involves acknowledging feelings, allowing for healthy expression, and equipping our children with the tools to navigate and overcome the sources of their sadness.
Modelling healthy emotional expression is something we found really helpful in many families: Demonstrate healthy emotional expression in your own interactions. By being open about your feelings and demonstrating how you navigate challenges, you set an example for your child to follow.