1. Tender Topic/Sensitive Issues

2. The topics including bullying, family diversity, race, homelessness, new home, disabilities, divorce, death, Illness, war, are often referred to as "tender topics."

3. It is important to view tender topics not as problems, but as subjects that are part of the everyday lives of children and families
Some might see these topics as problems because children and adults don't know how to approach them, and are uncomfortable talking about them

4. Approaches
Find out what your child knows already If your child asks you a difficult question (about sex, death, politics, etc.), you might simply ask, "What have you heard?" This allows your child to tell you what she understands — or misunderstands — and perhaps what concerns are prompting her question

5. Keep your answers simple
Give answers that are appropriate for your child's age.
One simple sentence may be enough. Underneath a child's question, she may be worried about her safety, so offer reassurance. You might describe the different ways she is safe and say, "The policeman is there to protect us"

6. Ask more questions
For example, if your child asks you about people being injured on the news, you might say, "I feel sad those people got hurt. How do you feel?"

7. Talk again
Be prepared for children to ask the same question many times. This means they are continuing to think about the issue and may need more information. You might save some information for later discussions

8. Where do we begin as teachers?
Read the developmentally appropriate book about a tender topic to yourself and think about your own experiences, feelings, and biases. Will you feel comfortable reading this story to young children?
Think about how you can support children and their understanding of tender topics.
It may be beneficial to read two or more different types of books about the same tender topic.

9. Once you include storybooks about tender topics in your curriculum, you will be surprised how often the stories become a resource to address children’s misunderstandings and help them talk about events.

10. Storybook suggestions
Divorce. The Family Book, by Todd Parr; Mama and Daddy Bear’s Divorce, by Cornelia Maude Spelman.
Cancer. Kathy’s Hats: A Story of Hope, by Trudy Krisher.
Family diversity. In Our Mothers’ House, by Patricia Polacco; The Family Book, by Todd Parr

11. Disabilities. Ian’s Walk, by Laurie Lears
Death. Nana Upstairs and Nana Downstairs, by Tomie DePaolo.
Military Deployment. A Paper Hug, by Stephanie Skolmoski; Night Catch, by Brenda
Ehrmantraut; My Dad’s a Hero,by Rebecca Christiansen
Race. The Skin You’re In, by Michael Tyler; Skin Again, by bell hooks.