Small Talk, Big Impact: Connecting with Your Kids, with Kelley Bell, episode 06

EP 06:  Why do kids shut down—and how can we get them to open up to us more? Middle school educator, life coach and family consultant, Kelley Bell shares why meaningful conversations matter, what kids wish parents knew, and simple ways to build emotional trust at any age. It's not too late to connect with your kids. 

“The purposes of a person’s heart are deep waters, but one who has insight draws them out.” — Proverbs 20:5

As parents, we all want our kids to talk to us—to tell us what they’re thinking, what they’re feeling, and when something’s wrong. But many children today, even those with loving families, still feel isolated and unsure of where to turn.

In this episode of KEEP KIDS SAFE, I talk with Kelley Bell, a powerful voice of hope and insight who works with kids in crisis every day. Kelley is a mother of four, a school-based educator, and a family consultant who helps bridge the communication gap between parents and children.

We dive into what it means to be a safe space for your child—and how even just a few intentional minutes of conversation each day can dramatically improve your connection and your child’s long-term well-being.

In This Episode:

Here are some of the key questions Kelley and I explore:

• Why do so many kids bottle up their feelings instead of coming to their parents?

• What’s the average number of meaningful minutes parents spend talking with their kids daily? (Spoiler: it’s shockingly low.)

• How can parents create emotional safety—even if you’ve gotten off track?

• What are simple, practical ways to start better conversations today?

One Powerful Quote from Kelley:

“Let your mom be a mom. Let your dad be a dad. That’s what we’re here for. Unless your parent has told you not to come to them, don’t assume they don’t want to help you.”

Why This Matters

According to the CDC, nearly 22% of U.S. high schoolers have seriously considered suicide—and a major contributing factor is feeling like they don’t have someone to talk to. As Kelley shares, kids often internalize their parents’ stress and avoid sharing out of fear of being a burden.

But there’s good news: it’s never too late to rebuild that connection.

By slowing down, being intentional, and asking our kids how they prefer to communicate (text? walk? journaling?), we can open the door to deeper trust. Whether your child is 5 or 15, today is a great day to remind them: “I’m here. You don’t have to figure it out alone.”

Action Step

This week, take 5 minutes of one-on-one time with your child—just the two of you. No phone. No agenda. Just ask:
“What would help you feel more comfortable talking to me when something’s hard?” 
Then listen with your heart.

Connect with Kelley Bell

- Website: kelleyjbell.com
- Instagram & TikTok: @kelleyjbell

Help Me Spread the Light

Together, we can be the light God calls us to be. If this episode encouraged you, I invite you to:

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About the Host, Sarah Panus

Sarah Panus is a Christian mom, the host of KEEP KIDS SAFE and Marketing With Empathy® (top 5% podcast globally), owner of the content marketing consulting company Kindred Speak, and a passionate advocate for protecting children. She’s on a mission to equip Christian parents with hope-filled, practical ways to keep kids safe in today’s world.

She lives in Minnesota with her husband, two kids, and Golden Retriever.