Talking About Worries Together
As parents and carers, one of the most important things we can do is help children feel safe, listened to and supported. Children can sometimes find it difficult to talk about worries, concerns or situations that make them feel uncomfortable.
Regular conversations at home can help them build confidence and know where to turn if something is worrying them.
A good message to share with your child is:
If something worries you, upsets you or doesn’t feel right, always talk to a trusted adult.
You might like to use some of our other safety pages as a starting point for discussions at home:
- Staying Safe Online – helping children navigate the digital world safely.
- Walking to School – discussing road safety and making safe choices when out and about.
- Anti-Bullying – exploring what bullying is, how it affects others and where to get help.
The NSPCC has also produced a range of child-friendly resources that we use in school to reinforce important safety messages, including understanding personal boundaries, body ownership and speaking up if something feels wrong. We have included one of these resources below for you to look at together.
Questions You Could Talk About Together
- Who are your trusted adults at home?
- Who are you trusted adults at school?
- What would you do if something made you feel worried or uncomfortable?
- How would you ask for help if you needed it?
- What does it mean to listen to your feelings and instincts?
- Is there anything you are worried about at the moment?
Taking a few minutes to chat regularly can make a big difference. Children who know they can speak openly with trusted adults are more likely to seek help when they need it.
You may also wish to watch the NSPCC video below together and use it as an opportunity to start a conversation about staying safe, speaking up and getting help when needed.
