Difficult Times and our Children..How honest should we be?
Being open with our children is an important ingredient in the parenting process. Children have a need to know what is happening in their family as things start to take on different forms such as divorce, job loss, relocation or even death of a loved one.
They need to know that the problems the family is now facing are not their fault. They need to know how to emotionally handle the changed environment at an age appropriate level. They also need to know what the changes may be and what provisions will be made for them…in other words, set expectations accordingly!
Since our children are constantly looking to us for queues and imitating our behavior, how we handle difficult times will most likely mirror our behavior and child relationships before the difficult times hit. If we were open and honest, transition will be easier than if we have hidden agendas and are covering lies.
When in doubt, network with friends who have been faced with similar experiences and learn from them. We will all get through it. However, for some, it’s easier to get through than for others because of the relationships/bonds already in place.