Does your child or spouse tend to sulk when feeling upset

Sulkers find it hard to talk when they're in pain or upset. They just shut down. Sometimes it helps to acknowledge their negative state, helping them to feel seen and safe. "I can see you're upset. I'm here if you want to say anything to me about it." If the sulker decides to open up, reward that effort by listening carefully and repeating back what is said. DO NOT attack whatever point is being made. Instead, validate it, acknowledging how it makes sense. Be receptive and gentle. This will help a sulker gradually reduce the number and length of sulking episodes.