As an adult, what can I do to make things easier for a child?
Based on material from
The Icelandic Red Cross' trauma team
for children and teenagers.
Your role as an adult around children is to look out for and protect them, but also to be a good role model.
Your behavior sets the tone for the behavior of the young people.
When children and young people are around, it is important for you to...
Respond to events calmly.
Try your best to stay calm, even though your feelings are as normal as theirs.
Strong reactions can cause insecurity, fear, and powerlessness in children.
Think of who's listening.
Conversations between adults about news and events often quickly become exaggerated and negative.
Children don't gain anything by hearing that kind of talk.
Stop discussions that breed fear and prejudice.
If adults speak of a group as dangerous, then it is likely that the young people who hear it will fear the group.
Children may be aware of dangers, but they need to be based on reality, not prejudice.
Children can be informed about the world. But, they do not need to hear endless talk about difficult issues.
Talking about war abroad is normal, but young people do not need to hear talk about it over and over.
If a child wants to talk to you about something that is bothering them.
Be understanding of the child's feelings.
Be honest.
Let them lead the conversation.