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Every parent wants to protect their child from emotional harm, but this isn’t always possible. If your family is going through a difficult period or has just received bad news, it can be difficult to know how to support a child. Although every child is different, here are a few tips to help you navigate these trying times.

#1 Keep them occupied

First and foremost, give a child something to occupy themselves with and preserve their routine. Times of turmoil are often extremely busy but make sure to spend as much time with your child as possible. Loneliness will compound any worries that they already have, but keeping them occupied with games and fun activities will go some way to diverting their attention elsewhere. This doesn’t mean simply sitting them in front of a television or video game, though. Children look to you for comfort and need to be accompanied during difficult periods. Spend as much time as possible interacting with them and choose games that involve both parent and child.

#2 Be honest

It’s tempting to try and shield children from the harsh truths of the world, but this isn’t always the best course of action. If, for example, a parent is in a hospital or a hospice in San Diego, then the chances are the child already knows that something is amiss. In these situations, it’s better to be gentle but upfront. Sit the child down and explain the situation to them in simple but honest terms. Kids are more grown-up than most parents give them credit for, and trying to keep them in the dark about difficult issues will only leave them feeling alienated. Explain what’s happening, why, and how, if possible, it might be resolved.

#3 Answer questions

This follows naturally from the previous point. It’s likely that children will have lots of questions, some of which you won’t be able to answer. Be as honest as possible with your responses and, where applicable, admit that you simply don’t know. Let the child know that it’s ok to ask questions and that you’re happy to answer any and all of their concerns. This open and transparent relationship fosters trust, which is particularly important during difficult times. Trying to conceal information or evading questions will only come back to haunt you later. Any unanswered questions will lead the child to overthink, increasing their anxiety.

#4 Remind them that things will get better

Children tend to live in the moment. When they’re happy, they’re ecstatic, but bad times also feel like they’ll last forever. Remind children that this isn’t the case and that in a few weeks or even a month, life will be radically different. Planning events for the future and giving them something to look forward to can help. Letting a child know that nothing is permeant and even bad times must pass is one of the main responsibilities of a parent, and that’s never more true than during a crisis.

Almost every child, at some point, will beg their parents for a pet. They might ask for a fish, hamster, rabbit, cat, dog, pony, or something more exotic, but the ultimate decision has to be made by an adult. Children love the idea of having a pet, but they do not realize just how much commitment a pet demands from its owners. Of course, a family pet can also bring a unique type of fun and unconditional love and create memories that last a lifetime. Before you take the plunge and bring a furry family member into your home, here are some important questions to ask yourselves.

Do you have the time and space for a pet?

You need to assess whether you are in the right position to take on the responsibility of caring for a pet. Of course, the amount of time and physical space that your potential pet will need will vary depending on what you choose. A dog should not be left alone for more than a few hours at a time, so if your family is out at work or school for most of the days of the week, it may be better to choose a cat, rodent, or reptile that does not need as much company. Dogs also benefit from a garden to run around in as well as daily walks.

Can you afford to care for a pet?

Caring for even a small pet costs money, from the initial outlay of a cage or tank to the bedding and food they will need throughout their life. A dog or cat will need even more food, equipment, and toys to keep them happy, as well as regular preventative veterinary care such as vaccinations and parasite protection. If you choose a dog, you may also need to pay for a professional groomer on a regular basis, puppy training lessons, and if you are not taking them with you, the cost of hiring a pet sitter or placing them in kennels. Visit exceptionalpets.com for more on providing adequate care for a pet.

Is your child ready for a pet?

It is important to be realistic about whether your child is ready for a pet. Children may ask for a pet, but if they have not spent much time around animals, you may find that they are uncomfortable or scared when confronted with the real thing. It is also worth remembering that a fear of animals will not be cured by forcing them to interact with a pet. Before getting a pet, find a way for your child to spend time with the pets of family members or friends until you are sure they are ready. Older children are more likely to take on the responsibility of caring for a pet, but an adult should always be monitoring this.

How much of a commitment are you willing to make?

Dogs and cats can live for around 16 years, so if you are not prepared to provide them with a loving home for that period, they are not the right choice for your family. On the other hand, hamsters live for up to three years, and guinea pigs live for five to seven years. Dogs also require a lot of exercise and mental stimulation, so if you do not have easy access to outdoor space or are not keen on the idea of exercising your dog every day, choose a lower-maintenance pet.