Nothing. Paper can be used if the child prefers drawing to talking.
What to Say
“That was a difficult moment. We are safe now.”
“I felt upset too and I want us to reconnect.”
“Would you like to tell show or draw how it felt?”
“What is one small thing that could help now?”
What to Do
STEP 1 Begin with a neutral description of the moment without labels or blame.
STEP 2 Acknowledge your own part briefly when appropriate.
STEP 3 Offer the child a choice to speak draw gesture or not respond yet.
STEP 4 Name one need or feeling each without arguing about whose feeling is correct.
STEP 5 Choose one small repair such as helping rebuild getting water sitting together or trying again later.
JOIN YOUR CHILD Model responsibility without expecting the child to comfort you. A sincere adult apology can be part of repair when you shouted acted unfairly or made a mistake.
If Your Child Does Not Want to Participate
Do not demand discussion apology affection or eye contact. Return to the conversation later if the child needs more time.
Make It Your Own
• Use drawing or toys to show what happened.
• Choose a practical repair instead of a verbal apology.
• For siblings speak with each child separately before a shared repair.
• Keep the first conversation very short and revisit only if useful.
Your child may remain nearby accept a small repair name a feeling or return to play. Repair is a process and does not require immediate agreement.
A GENTLE SAFETY REMINDER Do not use this activity to minimise harm or pressure a child to reconcile before feeling safe. Repeated aggression fear or serious family conflict requires appropriate professional support and safeguarding action.
DEVELOPED FOR THE PARENT GUIDE LITTLE MINDS BIG FOCUS
