Talking to Kids About Difficult Topics

There have been many difficult news stories over the past couple of weeks which has made Aniesa consider the best ways to talk to our children about these types of subjects. In this episode, Aniesa gives some strategies for helping adults talk to children appropriately and compassionately about difficult topics.

KEY TAKEAWAYS 

• The right approach to explaining difficult topics can make all the difference in how the process the situation
• Chose an appropriate space to talk to your child and ensure you are actively listening to their concerns and questions.
• Children may need space to process the information we tell them, they may need time to ask questions late.
• Consider the language you use, it needs to be factual and straightforward in an age-appropriate way.
• Encourage questions and discussions around the situations, openness is key to them being able to process and understand what is happening.
• Respond to questions honestly without giving more information than they can handle.
• Acknowledge their emotions and validate them, let them know it’s ok for them to feel upset or angry. This is crucial for their emotional wellbeing, remembering to offer reassurance and support.

BEST MOMENTS

‘It’s important to remember that children are sensitive, they are curious, they are really intelligent human beings’

‘It’s better to use clear and direct language the conveys the message in a sensitive manner’

‘It’s really important that we encourage questions and discussions’

‘We really need to validate out kids feelings’

CONTACT METHOD

www.instagram.com/aniesabblore/          
www.instagram.com/sensationalkidstherapyuk/    
www.facebook.com/sensationalkidslondon

ABOUT THE HOST

Aniesa completed her degree in Occupational Therapy at the University of Stellenbosch, in South Africa. She has since been focusing on pediatrics and sensory processing and integration. She has worked across a range of pediatric fields and has extensive experience in autism, specific learning difficulties, as well as anxiety and emotional regulation.

Aniesa has one teenage son with autism, and one with sensory difficulties. She herself was diagnosed at a late age as having ADHD and has found that understanding her neurodivergence has led to a greater connection with children and their parents.

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