As adults, it is our responsibility to have open and honest conversations with children about the important issues they may face in life. While these conversations can be difficult, they are a vital part of a child’s development. By talking about challenging topics in an age-appropriate way, we can help children build resilience, empathy and understanding. Today, we will provide guidance on how to approach these sensitive subjects with care and wisdom.
Choosing the Right Time
Timing is crucial when discussing delicate topics with children. Pick moments when they are relaxed and receptive – perhaps during quiet one-on-one time, like before bedtime or on a weekend walk. Avoid moments when they are preoccupied, tired or emotionally charged, as this can make them defensive.
Create a Safe Space
Conversations about tricky issues require an environment where children feel secure enough to ask questions and share feelings honestly. Offer reassurance that they can speak freely without judgment. Switch off distractions like TV and phones to show you are fully engaged.
Listen Actively
Allow children to share their existing knowledge of the topic first so you understand their perspective. Listen carefully without interruption. Use open-ended questions to invite fuller responses. Ensure the conversation is a dialogue, not a lecture. Validate their thoughts and feelings.
Use Age-Appropriate Language
Adapt your language and level of detail according to their age and maturity. For younger children, use simple, concrete terms they understand. For older children, you can add more nuance once the basics are grasped. Avoid vague euphemisms that can confuse. Check their comprehension by having them explain them back to you.
Share Your Values
As well as informing children, discussions about serious issues present a chance to convey your values in an authentic way. Explain kindly and patiently why you believe certain things and how it guides your choices. Model having an open mindset and commitment to justice.
Offer Reassurance
Children often worry about how tough situations will impact them. Provide reassurance that you will support them through any challenges, including transitions like moving from short-term fostering into long-term fostering. Emphasise that there are many good people advocating for important causes. Convey hope that progress is possible when people work together.
Check Their Well-Being
Discussing the injustice in the world can take an emotional toll. Monitor how children are coping and provide extra comfort if needed. Offer hopeful perspectives – progress may seem slow, but things can get better. Suggest positive actions they can take to make a difference.
Be Patient and Stay Calm
Children may react defensively if a topic challenges their assumptions. Stay patient, calm and non-judgemental. They need time to absorb new concepts and perspectives. Keep lines of communication open so they know they can come to you with questions or concerns.
Don’t Have All the Answers
It’s okay not to know everything about a complex issue. Admit if you don’t know something and commit to finding out more together. Model openness to learning, as there are often many valid viewpoints. Seek input from diverse sources to broaden your perspectives.
Talking to children about serious issues requires care, courage and sensitivity. While challenging, having open and thoughtful conversations helps build children’s resilience, empathy and critical thinking abilities.
MindOwl Founder – My own struggles in life have led me to this path of understanding the human condition. I graduated with a bachelor’s degree in philosophy before completing a master’s degree in psychology at Regent’s University London. I then completed a postgraduate diploma in philosophical counselling before being trained in ACT (Acceptance and commitment therapy).
I’ve spent the last eight years studying the encounter of meditative practices with modern psychology.