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Ask What Your Child Heard Before Explaining Upsetting News - working notes

One situation. Clear facts. An honest next step.

Ten to fifteen minutes for one decisionFree · Two-page fillable PDF

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Hypothetical example: A child asks whether school is open after hearing a rumor. The parent checks the official instruction before giving an answer and does not play a graphic forwarded clip.

01Find the starting point the child actually has

Ask what was heard and what question the child has.

02Give enough truthful information

Check necessary facts and give a bounded truthful answer.

03Make the next media choice an adult decision

Choose appropriate further media exposure and practical information.

04Return without demanding a particular feeling

Offer a later conversation and suitable support when needed.

IRON & GRACE · Faith. Work. Family. · ironandgrace.us/field-guides/child-upsetting-news-first-conversation/