Experts recommend resisting the urge to interpret silence as secrecy. Instead of asking a series of direct questions, creating regular opportunities for relaxed conversation, such as during a walk, while driving or over dinner, can make children feel more comfortable opening up. Listening without immediately correcting, criticising or offering solutions also helps build trust. Perhaps most importantly, parents should remind children that they are always available whenever they are ready to talk.
If your once-chatty child has become quieter around the age of 11, it is usually a reflection of normal emotional and cognitive development rather than a sign that something is wrong. As children begin forming their own identity, valuing friendships and developing a sense of privacy, they naturally become more selective about what they share.
The goal is not to make children tell parents everything. It is to create a relationship where they know they can share the things that matter most, whenever they need support.
