First published: 28 May 2021 @ 1:38 pm
As parents, we are always looking for ways to help our children feel safer as time goes by. We can do many things to help our kids feel safer and help them heal and move on.
But, there are seven specific steps to help your kids feel safer every day. Let’s look at those seven steps.
1. Validate the feelings of your child.
When something bad happens to our kids, we may not know how to respond at first. We may get angry. We may not know what to say.
But, our children need to know that we hear them and that we are there for them. They need to know that we are going to be there for them no matter what.
Tell your children that you understand that they are upset and that you will be there for them no matter what. Tell them that you love them.
2. Ask your child for their ideas about how they can feel safer.
Ask your children what they think they can do to feel safer. Get their ideas, and then tell them that you will be working with them to make those ideas happen.
Your children may have ideas about a dog for protection. Or, they may want a safe room or a place to hide. They may want a night light or extra locks on the doors. Whatever their ideas are, please do whatever you can to help them feel safer.
3. Talk with your children about what happened.
You may not want to talk about what happened with your children, but it is important to talk with them about it. If you do not talk about it, the children will think you are keeping it a secret.
And, if you do not talk about it, your children will create their own ideas about what happened. They may think that you are angry with them.
They may not understand that you are trying to protect them. They may think that you will not be able to protect them in the future. So, talk with your children about what happened and let them know that you will be there for them.
4. Work with your child to create a safety plan.
You may want to involve your children in the safety plan that you are creating. You may even want to have them help you write out the safety plan for your family. Please talk with your children about what they think should be in the safety plan, and then create the plan together.
5. Talk to your children about what to do if they get a bad feeling.
Talk to your children about what to do if they get a bad feeling. Many kids get bad feelings, but they do not know what to do about them.
Teach them how to trust their instincts and how to get away. Teach them what they need to do if they ever feel someone is watching them or following them. Teach them what they need to do if they ever feel like someone is going to hurt them.
6. Teach your children that it is okay to be afraid.
It is okay to be afraid. Tell your children that it is normal to feel afraid. Tell them that fear is your body’s way of letting you know that something is wrong.
And, tell your children to stay calm. Tell them that if they feel afraid, they need to get away from the situation or person making them feel afraid. Tell them to get to a safe place and then to tell you what happened.
7. Be a positive role model.
It is easy for children to be afraid when they see their parents afraid. Teach your children that it is okay to be afraid, and then help them to understand that they should not fear you.
It would be best if you were a positive role model for your children. It would be best if you showed them that it is okay to be afraid and work through their fears. It would be best if you showed them that it is okay to feel scared but need to stay calm and think about what they can do next.
If you have found this article helpful, please share it with your friends and family. Make sure to visit our blog, Mature Parent, and read our other articles on parenting for more helpful advice!
