Inevitably, we will need to have difficult conversations with our children.  Truth is the best policy.  Telling the truth encourages them to tell us the truth, and encourages them to trust you!

Some examples:

“Grampa was very, very sick.  The doctors and nurses tried hard to make him get well but he was too sick and he died.  I know you and I will really miss him. We will not see him any more except his pictures but he will be in our hearts forever.”

“Mommy and Daddy have had a very hard time trying to solve problems together.  We just can’t agree and solve those grown-up problems so we have decided to get a divorce.”  “We will always take care of you and be your mommy and daddy, but we won’t live in the same house anymore but you will still have time with both of us.”

“I know you want new clothes for the new school year.  I’m sorry, because I would like for you to have some, but I don’t have a job yet, so we don’t have enough money for new clothes right now.”  “Let’s go through your clothes and see what fits and we can do to fix up what you have.”

Key idea:  Express sympathy, empathy and tell the truth, at an age appropriate level.