EP03 | When Kids Say Mean Things , How to Respond Without Losing It

About this episode

Ashley Bell discusses how to respond to hurtful words from children and the underlying emotions behind them.

It stings to hear words like “I hate you!” or “You’re the worst!” from a child you love. But here’s the truth: those mean words often come from big feelings, not true intentions. In this episode of From Tears to Talking, Ashley Bell, school counselor and mom of two, breaks down: ✅ Why kids say hurtful things when they’re overwhelmed ✅ The do’s and don’ts of responding in the moment ✅ How to set limits calmly without escalating the situation ✅ What to say later to turn the moment into a te...

People in this episode

Host: Ashley Bell

Topics covered

• mean things
• child behavior
• parenting responses
• emotional regulation

Keywords

• communication
• parenting tips
• child emotions
• calm responses

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: From Tears to Talking

More episodes of From Tears to Talking

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• EP05 | Little Lies, Big Feelings · November 5, 2025 · 10 min
• EP04 | Understanding and Managing Anger Before It Erupts · October 1, 2025 · 12 min
• EP02 | Setting Boundaries Without Yelling · August 27, 2025 · 18 min
• EP01 | What to do in the Moment · August 20, 2025 · 13 min
• Let's Start the Journey From Tears to Talking · August 13, 2025 · 3 min