The political crisis that our country is currently experiencing not only worries adults, the little ones at home can also show confusion and concern due to the information they usually obtain from different sources such as television, social networks, their close circle of friends or if they notice some distress in their parents. But, is it necessary to talk about the political situation with our children? How to approach the subject? Mary Castro, psychologist at our clinic, gives us valuable recommendations:

• Don’t avoid the subject. Avoiding talking about the difficult situation the country is going through will only make our children look for information in other sources, which can cause them more feelings of anguish or leave them more confused than they already were.
• Listen to them openly. Let your children tell you what information they have regarding the subject, so that they can express what they think and feel. After listening to them, you will be able to have greater clarity about what worries or anguishes them most.
• Explain calmly. As parents and adults, you should be calm and try to address any concerns your children may have in simple terms, taking their age into account and avoiding using adjectives.
• Respect their feelings. Probably some little ones may have a certain fear of doing some activities outside the home and prefer to stay at home to feel safe and secure. Don’t judge them, be patient, respect their feelings and show them affection and understanding. Remind them that, as parents, they are here to hold and support them unconditionally.
• Don’t make them take a position. Due to their young age, your children are not yet informed of everything that happens. Therefore, whenever they require it, you must provide them with information in the most impartial way possible. Remember that your goal should be to clarify their doubts and create an environment in which your children will forge their own judgments or points of view.
• Control your emotions and words when expressing yourself. By having a marked and defined position, you could offend or discredit someone who has a different position than yours. Therefore, when you talk to your children, you should control your emotions and words, remembering that you are a model for them and that they can copy the way you express yourself or show intolerance when some people do not share your position or opinion.

Mary Castro
Psychologist at Clínica Ricardo Palma