Have you ever heard the word validation and wondered what it really means?
Let me share what helped me in figuring out and truly understanding validation.
When I first started reading about parenting, I saw it everywhere. At first, it felt intimidating and abstract.
Then I realized: validation is something we already do as adults. Think about the last time you called a friend to vent, and they said something like:
“That sounds like a lot. I’m really sorry.”
That feeling of being understood? That is validation. And children need it just as much as we do.
Why Validation Matters for Children
Children experience big emotions, and their brains are not fully developed to handle them independently. What they need most from us is simple: to know that their feelings matter.
Validation does not mean:
- Fixing the problem immediately
- Agreeing with their perspective
Validation simply means acknowledging and understanding their experience.
What Validation Can Sound Like
Here are a few examples you can use in everyday parenting:
- “I’m sorry your favourite car broke.”
- “I get that you really wanted that toy.”
- “That must have been upsetting.”
When we validate, we give children the space to process emotions safely, helping them feel seen, understood, and secure.
Emotional Safety Builds Regulation
Parenting is not about controlling emotions or immediately solving problems.
Sometimes, the most powerful thing we can do is listen, acknowledge, and show our children they are not alone in what they feel.
Validation is simple. It is not about agreement. It is about connection, understanding, and building trust, one heartfelt acknowledgment at a time.
