(47)______ to parents’’ fears, talking about violent acts will not increase a child’’s fear. Having children keep scared feelings to themselves is more (48)______ than open discussion.
Consider the age and level of understanding of the child when entering into a discussion. Even children as young as 4 or 5 know about violent acts but all children may not know how to talk about their (49)______ .
It is often necessary for parents to (50)______ the dialogue themselves, asking children what they have heard , or think. Parents should (51)______ from lecturing or teaching about the issues.
Adults should look for opportunities as they arise, for example when watching the news together. Learning about a foreign culture or religion also dispels myths and more (52)______ points out similarities and differences. In addition, far off violent events can (53)______ a discussion of non-violent problem solving for problems closer to home. For instance helping children negotiate how to share toys or take turns in the baseball lineup demonstrates productive strategies for managing differences.
Adults should also respect a child’’s wish not to talk about particular issues until ready. Attend to nonverbal reactions, such as facial expression or posture. They offer important clues to a child’’s (54)______ .
Answering questions and addressing fears does not (55)______ happen all at once in one sit down session. New issues may arise or become apparent over time and thus discussion should be done on an ongoing and as needed (56)______ .
Word Bank
A) stimulate I) refrain
B) contrary J) uttered
C) basis K) accurately
D) reactions L) necessarily
E) neglect M) worth
F) damaging N) concerns
G) outlining O) respective
H) initiate