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It can be difficult to think of your kids growing up. You want them to stay young and carefree for as long as possible, and to have as much fun along the way as they can.
But when life is as unpredictable as it is, and you can never be sure what’s going to happen next, it’s crucial to determine what your children understand about life’s big events.
Kids will get to know what goes on in the world as they explore more of it, but providing them with as many tools as possible to navigate the world is part of good parenting.
That’s why you should talk to your kids about these events according to the two factors below. Kids will always have their own reactions to what goes on around them, but prepping them in an appropriate and practical way is always best.
It Depends on Their Age
We have a lot more to think about as we get older. We also tend to think in different ways as we age and can approach situations from multiple angles. That’s why structuring your serious, grown up talks based on your child’s age is so important.
Talking to a 10 year old in the same way you’d talk to a 5 year old might just make them think you’re not taking their feelings seriously.
They might feel like they’re not getting answers about what’s going on, or they may feel you don’t trust them enough to share with them. This can leave them with more unresolved feelings after it’s all said and done.
Avoiding this is key to keeping your household feeling connected. Kids don’t want to be cut out of the loop, and the older they are, the more likely they are to notice if this is going on.
It Depends on What You Tell Them
So, we know older kids can be told a lot more about big life events that make people around them sad or grouchy, but their actual understanding of what’s happening will then depend on what you tell them.
They know something has happened – they’ll just be able to feel so. But being able to talk about it openly will impact the way they handle their feelings both now and as they get older.
Indeed, it’s why being honest after life changing events like a loss really helps. If you’re off to meet funeral directors because one of their grandparents have died, explaining the need for this meeting and how it’ll help you all say goodbye can help reduce any confusion.
They know what’s happened and that it’s safe to ask questions, which makes it much easier to keep tension low during this highly emotional time.
Life’s big events happen to us all at any age. If your children are getting older and having to navigate some pretty big things, make it easier on them by talking to them according to their age and what they tell you they need.
ChrissyJ xxx
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