Child Life 101: [Week 3] How to Approach Difficult Conversations with Children

May 29, 2023

Child Life 101: [Week 3] How to Approach Difficult Conversations with Children

As trusted adults to our kids, either as parents or professionals, our primary goal is to keep our children safe.   However, sometimes we may need to have difficult conversations with them that we fear may cause distress. Whether it is talking about illness, death, divorce, or any other challenging topic, finding the right words […]

As trusted adults to our kids, either as parents or professionals, our primary goal is to keep our children safe.

 

However, sometimes we may need to have difficult conversations with them that we fear may cause distress. Whether it is talking about illness, death, divorce, or any other challenging topic, finding the right words to say can be tough. This is where a child life specialist can help.

What are child life specialists?

Child life specialists are trained professionals who provide emotional support and guidance to children and families facing challenging life experiences. They are experts in helping children cope with difficult topics and ensure that children’s development is as smooth as possible while going through challenging times.

How can caregivers navigate difficult conversations?

When it comes to breaking bad news to children, child life specialists can help caregivers navigate the situation by providing support and resources. By working with a child life specialist, parents can better understand how to communicate effectively with their child, facilitate coping, and ensure that their child’s developmental needs are met.

But, what if you can’t access a child life specialist? 

There are still some key things you can keep in mind to help make the conversation easier for everyone involved.

First, take time to explore your own emotions around the information.

It makes complete sense that you have our own feelings around the difficult circumstances, and that can probably feel incredibly overwhelming and emotional. Allow yourself some time to process the news and how it makes you feel. It can also be beneficial to reach out for support from family, friends, or a mental health professional as needed.

Talk to your child about the situation in a way they can understand. 

Use plain language and avoid euphemisms. Children understand more than we give them credit for and using realistic language can help them process the situation better. Explain to them what will happen next and what to expect in an honest and open way.

Validate your child’s emotions.

 Let them know that their feelings are valid and normal. Encourage them to express their emotions in a way that they feel comfortable with. Children can often feel like they are a burden and may not want to further upset their caregivers, so be sure to let them know that it’s okay to feel how they are feeling.

Create a safe environment for your child to express their emotions. 

This may mean finding a quiet and comfortable place where you can talk uninterrupted. Let your child lead the conversation and allow them to ask questions. Answer their questions honestly and openly, but also be aware of your own limitations. If you do not know the answer to a question, it’s okay to say so.

Encourage your child to name trusted adults and explore coping strategies.

There are resources available to help support you and your child. Consider reaching out to a child life specialist, a counselor, or other support services in your community. By being aware of these resources and seeking help when you need it, you can ensure that you and your child can navigate difficult times together.

End the conversation by doing something together that bonds your family together. If necessary, encourage your child to take a break, do some exercise or creative activities, or spend time with friends and family that help make them feel like themselves again.

By having open conversations about difficult topics, we can create an environment of understanding and connection for our children. This helps build trust between parent and child, so they know that they can come to us in

Wrapping it up

In conclusion, as trusted adults, it’s our responsibility to keep our children safe and guide them through difficult situations. By working with or seeking advice from a child life specialist, using plain language, validating your child’s emotions, creating a safe environment, and utilizing resources available in your community, you can ensure a smoother journey for your child through challenging times. Remember that you are not alone and that there is help available when you need it.

 

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