Many of us are inclined not to talk about things that upset us.
We try to put a lid on our feelings and hope that saying nothing
will be for the best. But not talking about something doesnt
mean we arent communicating. Children are great observers. They
read messages on our faces and in the way we walk or hold our
hands. We express ourselves by what we do, by what we say, and
by what we do not say. When we avoid talking about something
that is obviously upsetting, children often hesitate to bring up
the subject or ask questions about it. To a child, avoidance can
be a message - If Mummy and Daddy cant talk about it, it really
must be bad, so I better not talk about it either. In effect,
instead of protecting our children by avoiding talk, we
sometimes cause them more worry and also keep them from telling
us how they feel. On the other hand, it also isnt wise to
confront children with information that they may not yet
understand or want to know. As with any sensitive subject, we
must seek a delicate balance th