In unfamiliar, threatening situations, how should information be communicated to children?

• A. At an adult level with detailed technical terms
• B. At the child’s developmental level
• C. Only through written materials
• D. Not at all

Answer: (B)

Communicating in unfamiliar, threatening situations is most effective when information is tailored to the child’s developmental level. Children interpret danger through the lens of their age and emotional maturity, so using language that is concrete, brief, and honest helps them understand without becoming overwhelmed. Provide simple explanations that fit their current thinking, avoid jargon or abstract terms, and pair facts with reassurance about safety. Invite questions, listen to their feelings, and check that you’ve been understood. Reinforce coping strategies with concrete examples or activities like drawing or role-playing to help make sense of what’s happening. Giving information in a way that feels accessible supports a sense of control and reduces fear; relying on overly complex terms or on written materials alone can leave a child confused or unsafe.