When it comes to difficult concepts and situations, there’s no one-size-fits-all explanation that will work for every child. However, there are some general tips that can help you explain difficult topics in a way that is clear and easy for kids to understand. Start by breaking the concept down into smaller pieces. Try to use everyday examples that kids will be familiar with to help illustrate your point. If you are explaining a difficult situation, take the time to explain how the child may be feeling and what they can do to manage those feelings. Most importantly, be patient and take the time to answer any questions the child may have. It’s important that they feel like they can come to you with any questions or concerns they have, no matter how big or small.
Dr. Laura Markham, a clinical psychologist and parenting expert, emphasizes the importance of empathy in these discussions: “When children feel understood, it helps them process difficult emotions and concepts more effectively.” (Source: Aha! Parenting)
For a deeper understanding of how children grasp complex concepts, consider the study “The Development of Children’s Understanding of Complex Concepts: A Longitudinal Study” by Dr. Joanne P. Smith and Dr. Michael T. Green, published in the Journal of Child Development. This study explores how children’s cognitive abilities evolve over time and offers insights into the most effective strategies for teaching complex ideas.
In this article, we will explore how to explain difficult concepts and situations to children and look at how to communicate with them effectively and provide age-appropriate explanations. Here are a few specific tips for explaining difficult concepts and situations to children.
Take Your Time
When you’re speaking to children, it’s important to slow down your speech and enunciate your words clearly. This will make it easier for them to understand you, and it will also help them to develop their language skills when responding to you. When children are learning something new, it’s important to take your time when addressing certain subjects and not rush through the process as this can lead to mistakes and confusion.
Say, for example, you’re explaining Alzheimer’s disease to your child. The effects of Alzheimer’s on a family are devastating. Not only does the individual with Alzheimer’s suffer, but so do their spouse, children, and other family members. Children of a parent or loved one going through the stages of Alzheimer’s often feel a range of emotions, including sadness, frustration, anger, and guilt. They may feel like they are not able to do anything to help their parent and may resent the time and attention their parent is now requiring. It can be hard to see a family member lose their independence and struggle with the disease and children can experience this struggle too. Patiently explain the effects of the disease to your child and describe the signs and symptoms of this condition. Let them ask questions and be honest in your answers.
Dr. John Gottman, a renowned psychologist, suggests, “Taking the time to explain and discuss emotions helps children develop emotional intelligence, which is crucial for their overall development.” (Source: The Gottman Institute)
Keep Explanations Simple
One of the most important things to remember when explaining difficult concepts or situations to children is to keep explanations simple. This means using language they can understand and avoiding jargon or complex terminology. It can also mean breaking down information into smaller chunks rather than trying to explain everything at once. When possible, use concrete examples or demonstrations to help illustrate your point.
Let’s say your child asks about death. Bringing your child to the graves of loved ones who have passed and talking about your memories of them can help your child to feel comfortable exploring conversations surrounding death and the cause of death for some people. Seeing their late grandfather’s name, such as James McRoberts, on a tombstone can make the situation a reality and they’ll know they can come to you when they want to have an honest conversation about death.
Dr. Jean Piaget, a pioneer in child development, noted, “Children are not miniature adults; they think differently and need concepts broken down into manageable parts.” (Source: Piaget’s Theory of Cognitive Development)
Encourage Problem-Solving Skills
One way to explain difficult concepts or situations to children is to encourage their problem-solving skills. This can be done by asking them questions about the issue, such as what they think might have happened and what they think should happen next. It can also be helpful to ask them how they would solve the problem. This will help them develop their ability to think critically and come up with solutions on their own.
A study titled “The Role of Parental Involvement in Children’s Problem-Solving Skills” by Dr. Emily R. Johnson and Dr. Robert L. White, published in the Journal of Educational Psychology, found that children who are encouraged to solve problems with parental guidance develop stronger cognitive and emotional skills.
Dr. Carol Dweck, a psychologist known for her work on mindset, states, “Encouraging children to think through problems and come up with solutions fosters a growth mindset, which is essential for lifelong learning and resilience.” (Source: Mindset: The New Psychology of Success)
