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It’s never easy to start a difficult conversation with a child. Often, both parties can find it awkward to sit and talk about something serious, sometimes because we haven’t processed it properly ourselves. Children also tend to ask strings of questions, and the anxiety about being unable to answer them can be nervewracking.
However, the alternative is that children and young people don’t feel like they can talk to a trusted adult about what’s on their mind, especially if it’s a difficult topic. This can lead to a child feeling overwhelmed by thoughts and worries.
One difficult topic children face is the seemingly constant deluge of news that they are subjected to. News is everywhere; TV, radio and online, and children often can’t escape it. When these stories are frightening, they can have a negative effect on a young person. Listen carefully to what they have to say and if you don't understand anything be honest and ask them to explain. Above all, let them say everything they want to say before you give any opinions or advice.
Unfortunately, things do happen closer to home that can turn young lives upside down. Separation, illness and death have a huge effect, and talking about them needs to be treated very carefully. You should also be ready for things to get very emotional and perhaps distressing too.
When the time comes to break the news, remember to explain everything slowly, in words that your child will easily understand. It's also very important to make sure they know that they're not responsible or to blame in any way for what you are telling them.
When discussing anything serious it’s important to find somewhere quiet to sit with no interruptions or distractions.
Think about the sorts of questions your child's likely to ask you, so you can have the answers ready.
Having difficult conversations is hard, but if you handle it well it can bring you and your child closer together and help you to understand each other a bit more. So, put a little time and thought into the planning and it won't just help to resolve or explain an issue, it could make your relationship even better, too.
Visit: https://www.nspcc.org.uk/keeping-children-safe/support-for-parents/talkingabout-difficult-topics/