1. How to Talk to Kids About Difficult Topics
Deborah Gilboa, MD

2. Why are we Here? Moves Mental illness Deployments Divorce Illness War
Death
Domestic Violence
Sex
Job loss
Drugs
GLBT
Alcohol
Bullying

3. Where do Kids Learn? Parents Trusted Adults School Peers
Popular culture
Online

4. What can we teach? Responsibility Resilience Respect
To gather good information
To prevent danger when possible
To make good choices
Resilience
To prepare for, travel through, and recover from adversity
Respect
For parents as the go-to expert
For self as deserving tools and clear communication

5. The Plan Research the topic. Decide how much is enough.
Name the value you want to teach.
Ask/Listen/Talk
Take a break.
Talk again.

6. Research the Topic Purpose: build your own confidence
Brainstorm questions
Yours
A child’s
Find reliable info:
Reputable websites
Experts you know
People you trust
You might learn a few new words, but you DON’T need to become fluent in the language!

7. How much is enough? The Child The Adult The Values
Discuss with your mentor.
Find your line.
Plan your response.

8. Take-home Point
What do you want this child to believe about this topic?
Give a value with your information!
Write down a list of words or short phrases.
Pick the 3 most important.
Pick the 1 most important.
Match it to this child’s age and personality.
Start and end with this!

9. Have the 1st Talk Where? When? Distractions Short Phones/screens
Mood matters!
Interruptions

10. Nuts & Bolts “I” statements. Pre-assessment
Listen (more than you talk)!
Start with the take-home point.
Ask and answer.
You are the go-to person!
End with the take-home point.

11. Adults matter. Tough topics are great opportunities. Responsibility
Strengthen your relationship.
Pass on your values.
Build
Responsibility
Respect
Resilience

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