There comes a time in every parent’s life when they are faced with a child who is overwhelmed, confused or hurt, and in those moments, you know that they need you to be a steady, trusted adult for them. They need you to step up and be a parent when it is the hardest to do so.

Being there for your kids is vital in these moments, but it doesn’t always mean you need to have the perfect advice or that you can instantly fix the problem. More often, it means showing up consistently, listening without judgment, and making sure they know they are not alone.

Listen First, Fix Later

When kids are struggling, our instinct as parents is often to jump straight into problem-solving mode. While that comes from a good place, it can sometimes make children feel unheard. Start by listening. Give them space to explain what’s happening in their own words, even if the story comes out slowly or emotionally.

Resist the urge to interrupt, correct, or minimize their feelings. Statements like “That sounds really hard” or “I’m glad you told me” go a long way in building trust. Feeling understood is often the first step toward feeling better.

Create Emotional Safety at Home

Kids are more likely to open up to you when they feel emotionally safe to do so. This means that you need ot react calmly to what they are telling you, even when it is surprising or upsetting for you to hear it. If children fear your reactions or think they will be punished, then they are much less likely to talk to you when they need support the most.

Make it clear that your home is a place where feelings are allowed. Encourage honesty, reassure them that mistakes don’t define who they are, and remind them that asking for help is a strength, not a weakness.

Be Present in the Small Moments

Being there “when it matters” doesn’t only apply to big crises. Consistent presence in everyday life builds the foundation for deeper trust later. Shared meals, short conversations before bed, or checking in after school all signal that you’re available and paying attention.

These small moments often become the doorway to bigger conversations about friendships, stress, fears, or situations they don’t fully understand yet.

Take Their Concerns Seriously

What seems minor to an adult can feel enormous to a child. A conflict with a friend, a problem at school, or feeling treated unfairly can weigh heavily on them. Taking their concerns seriously doesn’t mean overreacting, but rather it means validating their experience and helping them think through next steps.

In rare but serious situations involving inappropriate behavior by adults, some parents may seek outside guidance or resources, including information related to teacher misconduct legal help, for example. While most issues are resolved through communication and support, knowing options exist can provide reassurance during stressful times.

Difficult things sometimes happen, but as long as you are there for your kids when you need them most and you create a safe space for them to come to you, then you can all get through it.