Sometimes you may be tempted to avoid conversation with an upset child. However, in many cases a child will not be able to deal with his or her troubling emotions without help. As you listen with empathy while your children discuss their concerns, they will feel loved and comforted.
One successful method of listening with empathy involves restating the child's feelings to be certain you understand them. You may need to help them identify what they are feeling. You might say, "You seem sad and tense when I ask you about your friend whose parents divorced." Wait for the answer; then allow your child to continue the conversation. Children tend to talk when they feel in control of the conversation.