Pictured: Natalie Redcross

By Natalie Redcross, L.A.M.F.T. ,PhD., The Counseling Center

Oct. 30, 2025: The advice is simple: Listen, Learn, Love.

Children often see the world in ways adults forget to notice. When we take a moment to allow kids to express their true thoughts, we invite deeper trust, stronger connections, and moments of laughter that shape both their childhood and our own journey as parents. Check out what these real kids-ages 5 to 25-want parents to hear:

Paul, 10, grade 5: "Let your kids have fun, while keeping them safe, but still letting them have fun."

Charlotte, 7, grade I: "Hugs and kisses and talk it out when we disagree."

Caitlin, 5, pre-K: "Love me, feed me, snuggle me!"

James, 8, grade 3: "Help me learn I can do hard things like sleep in my bed by myself."

Josie, 10, grade 5: "Check in with your kids about what's going on. There should be some level of agreement in decision making."

Jackie, 6, grade 1: "Give me lots of gifts!"

Shaunelle, 13, grade 8: "Don't interrupt your kids and let them finish explaining something. Instead of saying you already know what they were going to say like you can predict the future, maybe just let the kids finish a sentence."

Evan, 20, college sophomore: "Try to help your kid learn from the mistakes you made at their age. Also, please listen first before advising!"

Sophia, 20, college sophomore: "Trust your kids and support them! Even if it's hard."

Dylan, 15, high school: "Go easy on me, baby!" (borrowed from singer, Adele!)

Jordan, 20, college junior: "Showing emotions in front of our children isn't a mistake, it's actually modeling healthy behaviors. It's okay to let your children see when you're hurting, when you're thrilled, and when you're frustrated because you're teaching them to process those emotions too. If you trust your children, they will trust you."

Molly, 14, high school: "Don't pressure your kids. Let them be who they are and trust that they can handle way more than you think."

Tom, 24: "Create one-on-one moments with each kid, without siblings around, where they can feel safe to talk about anything with you. Be quiet and just listen. Before offering help or advice, ask if they want it or if they just want to vent."

Caleb, 25, graduate school: "When someone makes a mistake, parent or child, whatever follows should work toward a constructive and collaborative solution, which often times might be less pleasant or satisfying, and more challenging than a simple or artificial repercussion or consequence, as it requires facing the error together."

The advice here is simple, sometimes funny, and powerful, with three connecting themes: listen, learn and love.