Events, how to explain them to children without altering them
Life is not always rosy. Sometimes, the world witnesses serious events that can cause fear in the society and especially children, who may be too surprised when these events occur. Should they be told everything that happens, or is it better to keep quiet and keep the little ones innocent until they grow up?
Hilary Ann Salinger, child psychologist, recommends not hiding these events to the smallest and keep them informed of everything that happens in the world. Of course, you have to do it with the right tact so that you do not lose importance or get scared too much by making them grow thinking that everything around them can hurt them.
Events, do not hide or worry too much
Salinger explains that at present it is impossible to keep children oblivious to these events eternally, and more so now, in such a connected world. The psychologist points out that it is always better for parents to talk about these events with their children in order to be able to reassure them. We must distinguish between not hiding and worry excessively.
As Salinger says, children are extremely sensitive. The way in which it is said can greatly influence the way in which they live these events. You are not talking with an adult, but with a minor, and you have to talk as your age requires. At this point, the psychologist recommends accompanying the child while he watches the news.
On the other hand, Salinger explains that if a child knows an event that causes fear, parents must reassure them that they will protect them at all costs. This way, the next time you see something similar, you will have the confidence that your parents will keep you safe.
Safe point for children
Salinger recommends parents create a point of security for when the child lives one of these episodes through television. This area will provide security to the little ones to talk about this issue and will make them see that they can not be reached by these evils. Adults will also have to remind their children that they are far away and that this is unlikely to happen to them.
We must put on the table all the virtues of the area in which the child lives so that he understands that the danger is not real in these areas. Salinger explains that it is inevitable that the child feels fear on these occasions, although they have occurred in another country. This is why it is so important for parents to remember that they will protect them.
The questions of the event: how to answer
It is inevitable that the curious nature of the little ones provoke some difficult questions to answer. You have to answer these questions because the fact of being silent can make the child understand that the father is also nervous and that he is also nervous. Treating this issue calmly will let the children know that there is no reason to turn on the alarms so quickly.
In addition, answering your questions will ensure that the child does not fill in the gaps in the story with their imagination making the problem bigger than it really is. Do not delay the resolution of these doubts because it can make children think that there is something wrong that makes their father nervous and therefore does not answer these questions.
Damián Montero
