Comfort and Reassurance for Children ( Emotional Health )

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Comfort and Reassurance for Children

Parents have an important impact on how children respond to stress and crisis. Your reactions will guide your child's response. Look for solutions and take positive steps in response to difficult situations — your child will benefit by your example.

Take a quiet moment to talk to your child and then really listen to what he or she says. Turn off the television or radio and ignore the phone.

Give your child your complete attention. Ask him about his day and how he's feeling. Let your child know you are listening by responding with brief comments, asking for more details, or restating something he has said to be sure you're understood. Tell him it's okay to be afraid or angry and that you will protect and love him. If your child prefers not to talk, you can simply play with him and spend time doing things he likes.

Spending time with your child will give him more opportunities to talk to you when he feels like it.

We could all use a few extra hugs. Even a hand on the shoulder, pat on the head, or a kind word can be reassuring. Tell your child you love her and that you will be there for her. Remind her that other people love her and care about her, such as relatives, friends, or caregivers. Schedules can be helpful in comforting a child. Always tell her what time you will pick her up from school, or when you'll be home from work. Children also worry about their parents, so let your child know that you are okay, too.

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