Fred Rogers Institute Guide Provides Guidance on Children Dealing with Difficult Situations

The Pennsylvania Key has shared a guide from the Fred Rogers Institute about how to support children during difficult moments in life.

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“When Difficult Things Happen” is a PDF that shares kind words that adults can say to children who are experiencing loss. It also lists various things for adults to do to support children during this process.

Among the items listed on how to support children facing a loss include:

• Being there for them without judgment while the child experiences whatever feelings come up

• Helping them to know that their feelings are valid and accepted

• Sharing some of your own feelings

• Aiming to keep routines and expectations consistent, or letting them know what has to change and why

• Letting them know that difficult feelings don’t last forever

• Making space for play

For more information or to read other methods to help children cope with difficult situations - such as loss - read the Fred Rogers Institute guide.