Significant life events are difficult to deal with no matter your situation. Personal issues can unbalance us like nothing else. And, this only becomes more so when you have little people in your life.
When you have kids, you face the task of explaining these problematic situations. Whether you and your partner are in talks with divorce lawyers like Arnold Wadsworth & Coggins or a family member has died, you may be wondering how on earth to break the news. We aren’t going to lie to you; it won’t be easy. And, of course, every situation is different.
For the most part, though, there is one blueprint which can see you through near enough every conversation like this. While you will need to adjust accordingly, this could help you to approach any chat of this nature. It can also ensure that you talk about things like this in a way your children can cope with. Keep reading to find out what exactly that blueprint involves.
#1 – Work out how much they need to know
Work starts here before you even open up a conversation with your children. From the off, you need some idea of how much your kids need to know. Obviously, you have to tell them something about life altering events like these. But, you may find that oversharing can lead to unnecessary distress and confusion. If you’re telling them about divorce, for example, going into the technical details is never a good idea. Going too far into medical talk after death is also never going to work. Instead, work out the simplest details which your children need to know, and stick with those. That way, you can pass on shocking news in a way which any child should be able to digest.
#2 – Encourage questions
To make sure you’ve shared enough, it’s also worth encouraging your child to ask questions. This has the benefit of letting your little one direct the flow of information. That ensures you don’t cross any lines accidentally. A question and answer session can also help to squash any anxieties which arise. That’s essential for helping them to move forward. Never underestimate how much-unanswered questions can niggle at your kids.
#3 – End on a positive
Speaking of squashing anxieties, it’s also essential that you end these talks on a positive note. This applies no matter the information you’re sharing. If a loved one has died, end the conversation by telling your little one how they’ve gone to heaven. If you don’t believe that, perhaps say that they’re all around you, or will always be watching. If divorce is the issue, end by reminding them that mummy and daddy will always love them. There are similar reassurances for near enough every possible situation. And, by making use of them, you can help your child to begin making peace with this as soon as possible. Get this right, and they should take no time to bounce back from even the worst blows.
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