Charisse Sims, a mother of six and parenting podcast host, shares a vital lesson with her 9-year-old daughter: when a conversation feels uncomfortable, it’s okay to speak up and ask to change the subject. This practical advice is a helpful reminder for everyone facing tough or awkward talks.
- Teach kids to say, 'I feel uncomfortable, let’s talk about something else.'
- Choosing brief discomfort is better than enduring long awkward talks.
- Having a positive topic ready can ease changing the subject.
What happened
Charisse Sims noticed her 9-year-old daughter looked visibly uncomfortable during a recent conversation. Instead of letting her daughter suffer in silence, Sims took the moment as a teaching opportunity. She encouraged her daughter to use a simple phrase when feeling uneasy: 'I feel uncomfortable in this conversation. Let’s talk about something else.' Sims had her daughter repeat the sentence multiple times so it would come naturally when needed.
Sims recognizes that telling someone to change the subject can feel awkward, but argued that the alternative—enduring a long, uncomfortable conversation—is often worse. This advice echoes a larger message about emotional self-care and setting boundaries in social situations.
Why it feels good
Simply having the ability to express discomfort gives children and adults alike a sense of power and control over difficult situations. It reassures them they don’t have to passively endure awkward or inappropriate discussions. Sims emphasizes that discomfort is inevitable in these moments—choosing the shorter path of speaking up reduces emotional harm and builds confidence.
Etiquette expert Candace Smith adds that approaching the subject change positively—with a smile and a warm tone—helps keep the interaction friendly. Offering a new, interesting topic makes the transition smoother for both parties, reducing potential hurt feelings or embarrassment.
What to enjoy or watch next
For those interested in nurturing confident communication skills in children, listening to Charisse Sims’ 'Parenting for the Culture' podcast offers more valuable insights. Parents and caregivers can find supportive advice on guiding kids through many social challenges beyond just uncomfortable conversations.
To put this lesson into practice at home, try role-playing different tricky conversations with children, helping them rehearse assertive phrases. This method, supported by child development experts, equips kids with the readiness to handle awkward moments gracefully and feel empowered rather than overwhelmed.