How To Talk To Your Kids About Tricky Topics

This is a collaborative post.

There are many things parents and guardians need to do for their kids. Whether it’s preparing your child for school or encouraging a healthy lifestyle, you need to think about the different ways you can help your kids feel ready. But, there are also tricky topics that are difficult for parents and kids to discuss. Issues like death and grief or discrimination can be challenging to broach, but this doesn’t mean you should avoid them. Instead, you need to know how to talk to your kids about tricky topics.

Encourage Open Communication

Open communication is a vital component for any household and relationship, but your kids may not feel comfortable talking about some issues. This isn’t because you have made them uncomfortable but rather because they don’t understand the issues enough to bring them up. Working on improving your communication with your kids and creating an environment where anyone can ask anything without feeling silly is vital for helping these topics come up naturally.

Find Out What They Understand

Sometimes, kids know more than their parents give them credit for. This is especially true in the modern world where they are exposed to so much media and various information sources. Still, they may possess a naive idea about tricky topics, particularly if they have learnt from second-hand accounts online. If you make sure you know what they already understand, you can help them form more mature ideas and opinions.

Help Them Think Of Solutions

Kids will always benefit from learning problem-solving skills and this is just as useful with tricky topics as it is with their schoolwork. Although some problems don’t require immediate solutions, they can help your children cope with grief and other problems after they encounter something difficult, such as a death or experiencing discrimination. If they can find healthy coping solutions, they will have a better chance of coming to terms with any issues they encounter.

Offer Your Values

While no one should force their values on others, your kids will look to you as an inspiration for how to think and feel. When debating tricky topics, being clear on your feelings will help them find their ideas. As long as you don’t make it seem like it’s your way or else, they will learn how to consider all areas and aspects to get to a solution that makes sense.

Be Sensitive to Their Temperament

You are likely well aware of your child’s temperament. Some kids can take anything on the chin, while others are much more sensitive and need a gentler approach. It’s vital to consider when discussing tricky topics like Cat cremation after their pet has passed or if their friends have done something they know seems wrong but can’t be sure of as they don’t have the experience to know any better.

Tricky Conversations

Although these conversions can and will be tricky, you still need to find the opportunity to sit down with your kids and explain them. You may find they already understand these topics to some degree, but if not, it’s always worth talking about them and ensuring your children know they can come to you at any time.