Tips to Children's Workers & Parents



Be honest in your answers and who you are.
Children easily identify phoniness. Don't insult them by trivializing their concerns or giving pat answers.

Don't pry
Win the right to be heard. If you see or feel that something is truly wrong, encourage the child to talk to an adult they do trust.

Listen, don't lecture
Most kids want to express themselves, but won't do that until they trust you. And they won't trust you unless they believe you care and have proved it by listening to them.

Keep confidences
Their secrets are a gift to you; treat them as such unless, of course, doing so endangers the child or someone else.

Provide a safe place
Give the child space he needs to be alone while still offering him the security and comfort of a safe environment ... and knowledge that you'll be there when he is ready to talk.

And don't forget!
While our instinct may be to fix the problem, our role is usually to help kids in their growing process. So we must teach and show that there is One who cares for them more than they can ever imagine.