How to Act Around Your Child:
Provide safety, love, and support. Let them know it is okay to cry or to be mad. Make sure your child understands it is not their fault. Don’t coach or pressure your child to talk about things.
Things You Can Say That Will Help:
- I believe you.
- I know it’s not your fault.
- I’m glad I know about it.
- I’m sorry this happened to you.
- I will take care of you.
- I’m not sure what will happen next.
- Nothing about YOU made this happen. It has happened to other children too.
- You don’t need to take care of me.
- I am upset, but not with you.
- I’m angry at the person who did this.
- I’m sad. You may see me cry. That’s all right. I will be able to take care of you. I’m not mad at you.
- I don’t know why the person did it. S/he/they have a problem.
- You can still love someone but hate what they did to you.