Talking About Difficult Subjects
with Your Kids
Our students at Canandaigua Academy have been faced with many situations that we, as adults, would have difficulty handling. We want to remind you that we have on-site professionals who will work with your son or daughter, or you, at any time. If you have questions or concerns please feel free to contact our counseling office at 396-3810.
Some of the bullying our students are exposed to may be termed cyber-bullying. Cyber-bullying can include threats, sexual harassment or continued unwanted contact with a person via email, social networks, forums, instant messaging or text messaging. Make certain that your son or daughter understands that the negative interactions that can occur over these means are bullying and that he/she does not need to “take it.” Encourage your son or daughter to report what is going on to you or another trusted adult.
Some ideas for you if you want to talk with your son or daughter:
- Be reassuring as you talk to your son or daughter. They will take their cues from you.
- Acknowledge and normalize their feelings and concerns. Encourage any questions they may have regarding current events.
- Be an empathetic listener.
- Encourage your son or daughter to talk to you or another important adult.
- Emphasize that you are there to help and that they should let an adult know if they or a friend have concerns.
- Make certain that your son or daughter recognizes the difference between fact and opinion. Fact is actually what happened and opinion is how they feel about what happened.
- Be a good listener and observer. Let your son or daughter guide you about how concerned they are and therefore how much information they need. If he/she is not anxious or focused on current events do not dwell on them.
- Pay attention to changes in behavior and social interactions.
- Discuss events in age-appropriate terms.
