Supporting Children Through Hurt and Unkindness
I believe in supporting your child’s emotional journey, which is why I’ve created multiple free downloadable activity books to help children express their feelings through therapeutic, fun activities like coloring, drawing, and simple affirmations. These resources are designed to provide comfort, build emotional resilience, and help children process grief in a gentle and supportive way.
Please scan the QR code at the back of your book.
If you’re supporting a child who has experienced unkindness, whether through bullying, emotional hurt, rejection, or confusing behavior from others, these resources may offer helpful tools, support, and guidance. Every child deserves to feel safe, valued, and loved, and healing begins with gentle understanding.
Support Websites
Hey Sigmund – Building Emotional Strength in Kids
A compassionate site with articles on helping children process big feelings, build resilience, and understand the actions of others.
Offers expert guidance on childhood emotional health, including how to talk to children about bullying, trauma, or emotional harm. Includes videos, articles, and caregiver resources.
A helpful site for understanding bullying, how to respond as a caregiver, and how to support children emotionally and practically.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)
Provides guidance for families dealing with emotional trauma, including safe strategies for helping children feel secure and heard.
Anxiety Canada – Child Anxiety Resources
Offers evidence-based strategies for managing fear, sadness, or emotional overwhelm. Useful for children navigating confusion or hurtful experiences.
Supporting a child who has been hurt, confused by others' behavior, or affected by unkindness can be deeply emotional. You might wonder how best to help or worry whether you're saying or doing the right thing. These thoughts are completely normal.
As you guide your child through moments of healing, it’s just as important to care for yourself. Even small acts of rest, reflection, or connection can help you stay steady and present.
You don’t need to have all the answers. By being gentle, patient, and loving with your child and with yourself, you are already offering something powerful.
For some children, extra support from a therapist or counselor can make a meaningful difference. If your child has experienced unkindness, bullying, or emotional hurt, professional guidance can gently help them process their feelings and rebuild a sense of safety.
Therapy can also support parents. It offers a safe space to work through your own emotions and find helpful ways to respond with calm, care, and clarity.
Therapy Options
A user-friendly online platform offering licensed professionals who support children, families, and caregivers dealing with emotional wounds, self-esteem, and communication. Sessions are available through video, phone, or messaging.
Offers flexible therapy for individuals and families, including support for emotional development, peer struggles, and parent-child communication. Accessible via video or messaging.
Provides secure online therapy for adults and families. Ideal for parents seeking support as they navigate their child’s healing and emotional well-being.
Therapy Options for Children
Some therapists specialize in working with young children, using play-based methods, art, or gentle conversation to help them explore emotions and build confidence. Many communities offer individual or family therapy sessions, and some schools provide support as well.
If you feel your child may benefit from this kind of support, speaking to your family doctor, school counselor, or a local therapist can be a helpful first step.
Helping Your Child Feel Safe, Seen, and Strong
Supporting a child through emotional hurt or unkind behavior doesn’t always require big changes. Often, it’s the quiet, everyday moments that help them feel safe, seen, and supported. Whether your child is struggling with self-esteem, teasing, or emotional wounds, these gentle ideas can help them rebuild trust and confidence.
Connection through play:
Play is a natural way to connect and help your child feel safe again. Drawing together, role-playing kind interactions with toys, or simply building something creative can offer comfort and gentle healing.
Routines that build safety:
Children feel more secure when their world is predictable. Simple daily rituals, like reading before bed or having a consistent school drop-off routine, can help them feel calm and in control.
Creative expression:
Offer journals, coloring pages, or music to help your child express what they’re feeling. These creative outlets can give them space to process emotions without needing to explain everything in words.
Celebrate small steps:
Recognize small acts of courage. Whether it’s sharing a feeling, being kind to themselves, or setting a boundary, these moments deserve quiet celebration and encouragement.
Read together:
Books about kindness, courage, and healing can open the door to meaningful conversations. Reading together offers comfort, understanding, and a sense of connection.
Every child is different. Let your child move at a pace that feels right for them. Your steady encouragement and understanding mean more than any quick fix.