DISCLOSURES
Be careful with reassurance
Be guided by the child’s reactions and behaviours and keep it as normal as possible.
The amount of reassurance and comfort you provide will depend entirely on how Emily is feeling and what you think she needs at the time. You should always reassure her that you’re glad she told you, just as you would normally if she told you she was sick, or scared, or she told you about a painting she did, or any other achievement.
Listen carefully and take notice of how she is coping with the disclosure.
Other things you could do depending on how she’s reacting include reassuring her that you believe her and, she’s done the right thing, that it isn’t her fault, and she’s not in trouble. You might let her know that it can be tough talking about these things, that they’ve happened to other children, and that adults sometimes do wrong things.
But don’t make judgment or express your feelings about what’s happened and don’t say all or any of these things unless they are appropriate in the circumstances – eg if you start rattling off “I believe you, it’s not your fault, you’re not in trouble” when those things hadn’t occurred to her then you could actually cause her to start to worry or feel guilty.
If you have something that you always say when children tell you something – then say it now – anything you can do to ensure she feels comfortable, safe and secure.