Talk It Out

Some children are afraid of the dark. Others are worried about making friends, dealing with a family illness, or moving to a new school. Asking questions and talking together are some of the best ways to understand and respond to your child’s concerns. Children appreciate these opportunities; and your reassurance will help guide your child through challenging circumstances.

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What’s Your Routine?

Sticking to a daily routine as much as possible is always important, but even more so when your child is experiencing difficult times.  Reading your child her favorite book or singing a lullaby before bedtime are some routines that help children feel safe and calm.  If your situation has recently changed and old routines are too difficult to maintain, start some new ones!  Everyday routines often soothe children’s fears about what’s going to happen tomorrow by giving them something they can count on today.

Watch Together: Rosita Starts Her Day
Talk Together:  What are the things you do every morning?

Family Time

Spending quality time together helps your preschooler feel safer, whether it be sharing a meal or playing a game. Use this time to ask questions such as, “What was the best part of your day today? What was the worst?” Say things like, “I was proud of you today when…”, and follow up with, “How did that make you feel?”

Watch Together:  Fishing with Abuelo
Talk Together:  What do you like to do with your family? How does it make you feel?

Being a Helper

Letting your child help with chores gives him responsibility and something for you both to be proud of. A new job like sorting laundry can make him feel more confident. Take this opportunity to use socks as hand puppets and ask questions such as, “What makes you happy? What makes you upset?” No matter what you’re doing, follow up with similar questions like the example above.

Watch Together:  Morning Chores
Talk Together:  What chore can you help with? How does it make you feel when you help around the house?

Think Cheerful Thoughts

When reading stories with your child, point out when a character handles a situation in a positive way.  Open up the conversation by asking, “What would you have done?” Explore the different ways children can cope with their fears by reading Scared of the Dark.  In this book, Bert teaches Ernie to replace scary thoughts with happy ones. What kinds of happy thoughts can your child come up with?  

Watch Together:  In the Middle of Imagination
Talk Together:  How did Bert help Ernie not be afraid of the dark? What would you do to help Ernie?

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