One day, my daughter said, “Politician X is so arrogant and I don’t like him!” I was about to pull my discipline card when I realized I had said those exact words the previous day. She had quoted me word for word. That’s when I knew I needed to start holding my tongue in her presence. Children may be silent listeners to conversations, but they absorb everything.
If your child is beginning to talk in a specific way that you particularly dislike, it’s worth having a quick check-in. Navigating conversations with children can be like crossing a swollen river on shaky stones. One misstep can lead to awkwardness or confusion.
We have to balance honesty and discretion. How do we hold healthy dialogue while protecting their innocence? They need to feel safe to ask questions, but they shouldn’t be exposed to some language or ideas. Here are some topics that are suitable for conversation and which ones might leave them perplexed.
Things to Discuss
There are plenty of important matters that kids will benefit from hearing and even talking with adults about. It can help shape their habits and values positively. First, let’s look at what is safe for discussing with little ears in the vicinity.
1. Healthy Eating
Most kids will instinctively push the broccoli away and ask for ice cream. Talking about healthy eating can empower children to make better food choices. Use relatable anecdotes about your own experiences to illustrate the benefits of fruits, vegetables, and whole grains.
Sharing how a balanced diet impacts energy levels and mood can help them understand the importance of what they eat. Encourage children to join you in exploring new recipes or trying different foods.
2. Navigating Friendships
Kids will navigate the rollercoaster of friendships, facing ups and downs as they make friends and sometimes lose them—like when Ashley suddenly decides Lucy is the new favorite. It’s all part of growing up. Having conversations about friendship is a great way to help them build essential social skills.
You can chat about what it means to be kind, how to show empathy, and why being a supportive friend matters. Share some of your own friendship stories—the ones that made you laugh until you cried or taught you valuable lessons.
3. Hobbies and Interests
Encouraging kids to dive into their hobbies is a fantastic way for them to uncover what they truly love. Share your own interests and how they bring joy to your life. This kind of exchange can light a spark in your child, motivating them to explore activities that make them excited—be it art, music, sports, or something totally unique.
Chatting about hobbies should be a regular part of your conversations. Ask them what they enjoy doing most and cheer them on as they try new things.
4. The Value of Animals and Nature
Talking about animals and nature can really spark a child’s curiosity and sense of wonder. Share some fun facts about wildlife or recount your favorite outdoor adventures—those moments that made you feel alive in nature.
Get your kids involved by asking them about their favorite animals or any memorable nature experiences they’ve had. These discussions can lead to conversations about our environment and why it’s so important to care for our planet.
5. Family Traditions
Chatting with kids about family traditions can really help them feel a sense of belonging and identity. Share your favorite stories about your family’s history, those special holidays that bring everyone together, or the unique customs that have been passed down through the generations.
Invite your kids to dive right into these family traditions. You can whip up a special recipe together in the kitchen or celebrate important milestones. Getting them involved in these activities strengthens family ties and creates memories that will last a lifetime.
6. Books and Stories
Talking about books and stories can inspire a love of reading and storytelling. Share your favorite childhood books or recent reads, highlighting what you found enjoyable or meaningful about them. This can encourage children to develop their own reading interests.
Ask them about their favorite stories or characters, prompting discussions that enhance their imagination. Storytelling can also be a wonderful way to teach moral lessons and convey important values in a relatable manner.
Things Not to Discuss
On the do not discuss list, there are a lot of things we think our kids aren’t paying attention to that can also shape their views of the world. It’s best to keep these next topics on the down low to prevent teaching bad habits and inducing anxiety in kids about adult matters.
7. Personal Finances and Who Owes You
Conversations about money can be complex and anxiety-inducing for children. Discussing personal finances, debt, or income can create unnecessary stress or confusion. Instead, focus on teaching them the value of saving and making wise choices with money in an age-appropriate manner.
When the topic of finances arises, consider framing it around concepts like saving for a desired toy or learning the basics of budgeting without diving into adult financial struggles. This way, children can grasp the importance of money management without feeling overwhelmed.
8. Relationship or Marital Issues
Topics related to adult relationships, such as marital problems or conflicts with friends, can be heavy for children. Discussing these matters can lead to misunderstandings or feelings of insecurity. It’s important to keep discussions about adult relationships separate from conversations with kids. But in a happy marriage, don’t forget to model happy loving relationships either!
Instead, if they notice tension, reassure them that adults sometimes have disagreements but that it doesn’t affect their love for each other. This provides comfort without burdening them with adult issues that they are not equipped to understand.
9. Death and Loss Not Directly Affecting Them
Conversations surrounding death and loss can be particularly challenging and sensitive. While it’s essential to be honest about these topics, discussing the details or emotions involved can be overwhelming for a child. It’s crucial to approach these subjects with care and sensitivity.
If a child expresses curiosity about death, offer simple, honest explanations tailored to their age and comprehension level. Focus on celebrating life and the memories of loved ones instead of delving into the more painful aspects of loss.
10. Politics
There’s a reason kids aren’t allowed to vote. Political discussions can be divisive and complex, often laden with opinions that kids may not be ready to process. Introducing children to political debates or ideologies can lead to confusion and stress. It’s advisable to keep political discussions to a minimum around them.
If political topics arise, focus on basic concepts such as fairness, helping others, or community service. This way, you can instill values of empathy and responsibility without overwhelming them with adult political discourse.
11. Tragic Current Events
News stories, especially those involving violence or tragedy, can be distressing for children. Discussing current events in detail can lead to anxiety and fear, impacting their sense of safety and security. It’s best to shield children from such topics and filter the information they are exposed to.
If they ask about current events or if they’re affected, offer reassurance and answer only as much as they are curious about. Provide comfort and safety without burdening them with the full weight of troubling news.
12. Intimate Relationships
Conversations about intimate relationships, including romantic relationships and sexuality, should be approached with caution. Discussing these topics in explicit detail can be inappropriate and confusing for children. Instead, focus on age-appropriate discussions about love, respect, and boundaries.
When children ask questions, they answer honestly but simply, keeping the conversation suitable for their maturity level. This approach promotes understanding while preserving their innocence.
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I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
I’m a Language and Literary Studies (Honors) graduate with 11 years of experience in magazine and blog writing and content creation. I’m passionate about storytelling for change and believe in the power of words to make a difference. My writing is thought-provoking, accessible, and engaging, focusing on the Psychology of human behavior, complex social issues, personal experiences, and the latest trends. I’m a wife and a Mom of three.
