11/01/2025
Trust in truth.
With all the disasters and heartbreaking events happening in our world, children are depending on us to be both honest and age-appropriate when talking about difficult topics.
Finding the right balance can feel overwhelming, especially if you don’t have training in trauma-informed care. That’s why I want to offer some guidance for anyone struggling to communicate with the children in their lives right now:
1. The truth, no matter how bad, is always better than a lie. Children are incredibly perceptive and often sense when adults are withholding information. Lies erode trust, and trust is essential for helping children feel safe.
2. Young children don’t need all the details. Keep explanations short and simple. For kids under 7, limit it to a few sentences. If they ask more questions, answer as honestly as you can—or let them know you’ll find the answers together.
3. Older children (preteens and teens) can handle more. Be prepared for deeper questions and an honest discussion. Avoid sugarcoating—they respect transparency.
Children thrive on trust and consistency, especially during times of uncertainty. Being truthful in an age-appropriate way helps lay a foundation for resilience and healing.
If you found this helpful, share it with someone who may need it.
