Ways to help children
Talk to your children in a straightforward way, giving honest information in simple language. Encourage your children to talk and express their feelings, and be honest about your own. Listen to your children; it is important for them to be able to talk about their thoughts and feelings without being dismissed
Try to welcome their questions.
Some questions may be painfully direct, but if the child has asked, it’s because they want to know the answer. Repeated questions need patient listening and repeated answers (which should remain consistent). Children may ask the same question repeatedly to several adults to check out a puzzling or distressing situation.
It is alright to say “I don’t know” if that is true.
Useful links
Helpline
Our helpline is open 9-5pm
Monday-Friday:
0345 389 9901
Out of hours support line open
5pm-10pm Monday-Friday and weekends: 07712 653 258 or
Some advice
Dealing with anger
Support our cause
#wearitblue
Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit, sed do
Be patient with children when they are angry. It is normal to be angry, and acknowledging the child’s feelings rather than telling them ‘not to be angry’ is best.
Routines
Maintain usual routines as much as possible: bedtimes, storytimes, playtimes, walks and meals. If you cannot manage this at first, enlist a relative or other loved and trusted adult to keep the children’s routine as consistent as possible.
Key carers
Talk to their playgroup/nursery leader or school teacher and explain what has happened. Discuss with them how they will handle the news, and support your child(ren) in the school or nursery.