When Your Child Rejects Help but Still Wants to Be Close

When Your Child Rejects Help but Still Wants to Be Close

A child may reject help just when they’re looking for connection. This blog explores how to read mixed signals and find a way to start a conversation.

A child may push a parent away while still hoping they’ll stay close. These moments don’t always have a simple explanation: the child may need calm, independence or reassurance. Rather than guess, pay attention to what’s going on and offer support without putting pressure on them. The articles include questions and activities to make it easier to talk about unspoken needs—and remind us that silence, too, can be the beginning of understanding.

Interested in this topic? Read more: Discover the authentic needs of your children: The key to their happiness and development Want to find out where you stand personally? Take a short test at the end of the page and gain a better understanding.

How does this apply to you? Choose the answers that describe you best:

Imagine that your child suddenly stops talking for no apparent reason. What is the first thing that comes to your mind?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

Imagine that your child shows you a drawing that you don't understand at all. How do you react?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

In a situation where a child doesn't want to go to school, your first thought is:

Choose the answer that best describes you.

When your child says they don't like something about you, your emotional reaction is:

Choose the answer that best describes you.

In childhood, you felt understood especially when:

Choose the answer that best describes you.

If your child has a tantrum in public, what affects you the most internally?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How do you most often recognize that a child is troubled, even if they don't say so?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

If you had to describe the "invisible needs" of children with one image, what would come to your mind spontaneously?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

If a child has a recurring problem, your internal setting is closest to:

Choose the answer that best describes you.

When you imagine the ideal relationship between a parent and a child, what comes to your mind first?

Choose the answer that best describes you.

How to recognize the hidden needs of your children and fulfill them.

Get an evaluation of your answers

Enter your email to create an account and link this test to it. After you submit all 10 answers, we’ll show your evaluation on the page and email you a link.