Alternatives to “You’re Okay”

So often when our kids are not okay, we try to comfort them by telling them “you’re okay”. But we don't know how they are feeling, only they can sense the cues they are getting from their bodies and brains.

Instead of saying "you're okay" when your kiddo gets hurt, is sad, is upset, etc, try these phrases instead.

"You're safe."
"I hear you."
"I'm here."
"I know." (Lovingly)
“I’ve got you.”
“Are you okay?”
“You seem (name emotion).”

Remember, it is our job as parents to help our kiddos through their emotions, not to make it so they don’t feel any hard emotions. They need practice feeling these hard things in the presence of a safe, calm, and understanding adult so that they can learn to self-regulate as they get older.

For more on validating your child’s feelings, read 3 Steps For Responding to Your Child’s Emotions