NORFOLK, Va. — A new CHKD blog is showing us the power of the word, "wonder," when it comes to connecting with our children.
It's entitled, "The Wonder of Childhood," written by CHKD community outreach coordinator and parent educator, Michele Tryon. She explains how that word connects with a child, especially when they are facing a challenge.
"If a child has meltdown, a temper tantrum, something happens, instead of saying what happened, you can say I wonder what happened," Tryon said. "There's not as much defensiveness, you're joining the child in trying to solve a problem."
Kids are going through a lot these days. Sometimes, adults can struggle to find the best ways to help them out.
Recent horrifying images from Israel and Gaza are broadcast to eyes of all ages as the war with Hamas rages on. Increasing gun violence on local streets also leaves many children feeling uneasy.
RELATED: As the Israel-Hamas war gains more eyes, a psychologist offers advice on explaining it to kids
Tryon believes kids are resilient, but adults need to be ready to help them express their feelings.
Tryon believes when you say "I wonder" to a child, the language opens up new conversations.
"They can get through so much, if they have an adult with them who can wonder with them, who can help them organize their feelings about what happened — can validate that yes, they have a right to whatever they're feeling," Tryon said. "So when we join with them, we're helping them to really solve their own problem — to learn some coping skills — to be able to really handle or manage whatever is going on in their lives."