A key part of creating a safe environment is being a trusted adult to the children in your care. Children who have been abused are more likely to confide in a trusted adult whom they know will listen to and believe them. For this reason, it is important to affirm a child’s everyday emotions, including anger or fear. Far too often, adults tell children “you’re fine,” or “get over it,” in response to what a child perceives as a true emotional problem, but an adult may see as an inconvenience or insignificant event. Affirming a child’s feelings while still helping them work through their issue productively will help create a bond of trust. For more information, read the VIRTUS® article “Overcoming the confusing paradox we teach children about emotions and safety” at lacatholics.org/did-you-know.

Read the VIRTUS® article “Overcoming the confusing paradox we teach children about emotions and safety” here.