War, Finance, and Politics—Child Psychologists in Littleton Discuss With Your Child
The world is a pretty scary place right now. Child psychologists in Littleton are as busy as ever with our normal concerns including ADHD, social skills issues, school problems, divorce, and learning disorders. But what about when your kid is concerned about “adult stuff” that they might see on the news or hear others talking about? Keep reading to see how child therapists in Littleton discuss these issues with kids of all ages, and how you can put their minds at ease at home.
Ask What Your Child Already Knows
When your child asks about “adult issues” like war or politics, start by finding out what they know already. This gives you a chance to understand more about what they are concerned about, and to correct any misunderstandings. This is also a great time to ask why they want to know, and where they heard about these things from. Asking if there’s anything that they have nightmares about or “worries that get in the way of doing schoolwork” which can be signs that it’s time to meet with a child psychologist in Littleton.
Share the Facts, History, and Rules When Discussing Sensitive Topics
Most of the contentious issues on the news have at least two sides—so try to stay neutral and let your bright, capable child form her own opinions. Your role is to share the facts, history, and rules as well as you can. Are two nations at war? Instead of “choosing” a side, go on a history search with your child to see if you can understand what started it and why it’s happening today. Is your child asking if a public figure has done something illegal? Help them understand the laws that govern these public figures so they are better informed. This not only answers questions, but builds important critical thinking skills that child psychologists know are important for a healthy life.
Stay Age-Appropriate
The answers you give to a 4-year-old should be very different from the answers you give to a 16-year-old. Younger children have a more concrete understanding of the world, and are built to be self-focused. A young child asking about war is likely to be most interested in reassurance that they will be safe, that nobody will “come and get them” due to the scary things they hear on the news. An older child may be more informed, or may have a personal stake in the conflict—such as religious affiliations or personal beliefs. It’s okay to simplify things for young children, such as saying “these two groups don’t get along and they are fighting, but they are far, far away.” For an older child, knowledge is power, so head to your local library or trusted internet sources to empower them!
Plenty of adults visit a psychologist in Littleton because the news is too stressful—keep your kids focused on age-appropriate tasks and away from the 24/7 news machine. Help them learn the valuable life lessons of the adult world gradually and safely, and don’t hesitate to contact a child psychologist in Littleton for help!
