Talking to Kids About Hard Things: A Trauma-Informed Guide for Teachers and Caregivers

For generations, adults could more easily shield children from the hardest parts of the world. Difficult conversations—about grief, violence, discrimination, world events, or personal struggles—were often delayed until children were “old enough” to understand. But in today’s fast-moving, hyper-connected world, young people are exposed to tough topics earlier than ever before. This guide offers strategies and prompts for teachers and caregivers to help discuss hard, challenging topics with an intention to connect through honesty, humility, and validation.