
I talked with a mom of a Kids BRAIN kid yesterday. When I asked how things were she replied, “Heavy.” True for sure. With times already tough with COVID-19 restrictions, risk of illness, job losses and financial worries, the gut-wrenching issues surrounding social injustice have added more to talk about with your kids. Notice I said WITH your kids. Often as parents, we talk more at our kids than with them (guilty right here). This is a time to slow down, take a deep breath, and be willing to have a series of hard conversations about what our kids and teens are seeing on the news and reading in social media posts. These discussions will not be easy and you are likely to struggle to come up with your family’s version of the “right” answer. I have included a link below to some ideas on how to open and guide the conversation with your children. https://childmind.org/article/racism-and-violence-how-to-help-kids-handle-the-news/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_medium=email&utm_content=%20Parents%20Guide%20to%20Problem%20Behavior&utm_campaign=Weekly-06-02-20
I have also embedded a video with the psychologist take on how best to approach the topic of racism with your kids in a way that is open and productive.
Finally, I would like to offer an option for talking in general. Communication is the cornerstone to making families work well and keeping kids informed with the facts that you want them to hear. This means starting early and often to foster consistent talks and sharing. They may be little now, but one day they will need to talk about sex, drugs, big emotions, and their various choices. If you want them to come to you, you will need to pave the way for open communication daily starting now. Kids would love it if you gave them everything they want, but the most valuable things that you can offer your children is your time and undivided attention.