How to reassure your child.
Today's world is a frightening one, imagine how your children feels.
According to research conducted by YoungMinds, 87% of young people worry about climate change and 82% worry about political issues such as war and conflict. Often, parents shy away from talking about these ‘adult’ topics, as they don’t want to worry their children, but their children are already aware of and worrying about these issues.
Mental health has declined in almost 40% of schoolchildren, according to NHS Digital.
If you're not talking to your child, you should be.
Part of this is going to involve offering reassurance to your child. Exploring their fears and being able to reassure them. This could be monsters at the end of the bed or worrying about climate change or the cost-of-living crisis. These stories and phrases surround us and present a world of fear and chaos.
How to reassure your child and show empathy and understanding.
Here are some steps:
- Listen attentively: Give them your full attention, don’t interrupt. Let them express their feelings and concerns.
- Don't force it. Let them control the pace. Pick a relaxed but safe environment.
3. Validate their feelings: Let them know it's okay to feel the way they do and that they haven’t done anything wrong. "I understand you're feeling scared/upset/sad, and that's okay."
4. Use comforting words:
Offer words of comfort and support. Praise them for talking about it and reassure them that you're there to help and protect them.
Reassurance allows your child to express themselves.
5. Physical comfort: A hug or holding their hand can provide a sense of security. If they become too distressed or upset offer a break. Let them compose themselves after you’ve provided physical comfort.
6. Keep it simple: Depending on their age, explain the situation in simple, age-appropriate language. Be honest but avoid unnecessary details. Older children may need more detail and more information.
7. Know your limits: Whether that be emotionally or technically. Don’t overstretch your capability. You’ll lose credibility and your reassurance will weaken. It’s ok to say you don’t know but we can find out together.
8. Answer questions: Encourage them to ask questions and provide honest, age-appropriate answers.
9. Stay calm: This will be reassuring to a child. If you're anxious, it can make them more anxious.
10. Be mindful of watching the news: Children take in information and news programs can offer a sometimes-bleak picture of the world. Your children don’t need to see this.
- Better to offer distractions. Engage them in activities or hobbies they enjoy taking their mind off their worries.
11.Routine and consistency: Keep regular routines when possible. Predictability can be reassuring. This gives the child a sense of safety and limits surprises.
- Try to be positive around your children. Every day is a new day. There is so much bad news about your children don't need anymore, they don't need to hear your day to day problems. Being able to see the positives in life is something you and your children would benefit from.
13. Reiterate your love: Let them know you love and care for them no matter what. Your undying love binds you and children in an unbreakable bond.
14. Remember that children's needs can vary greatly depending on their age and personality, so adapt your approach accordingly.