In this episode, Michael Flores, LPC-S, and Arrianna Cervantes, LPC-Associate, explore how to truly hear your child during and after divorce—without leading, influencing, or burdening them. They talk about the importance of asking open-ended, neutral questions that create the emotional space children need for genuine honesty. Arrianna reminds us that you don’t have to fix everything your child shares; often, your calm presence is the support they’re really asking for. Michael and Arrianna also discuss how to validate a child’s experience without adding guilt or responsibility, as well as how to acknowledge their truth in a way that feels safe and grounded. Together, they share ways to empower kids with developmentally appropriate choices—options that give a sense of control while still keeping the adult in the role of decision-maker. When children feel heard, they begin to heal, and giving them a voice doesn’t mean handing them the weight of adult problems; it means offering curiosity, compassion, and connection.

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