For the strengthening of families and their compatibility with work
Between honesty and protection: How parents can talk to children about crises
Children perceive more than we often think
Children today are growing up in a world that is constantly characterized by uncertainty. Changes in the family environment, stressful news or social crises do not go unnoticed by children. Even when adults try to keep difficult issues at bay, children often sense when something is wrong.
Children are often very aware of tensions, but are not always able to classify or name them correctly. This is precisely why many parents ask themselves the question: Should I talk to my child about it or should I protect them? How honest should I be? And how can I talk about difficult topics without causing additional anxiety?
How children perceive crises
Children experience crises differently to adults. Their perception depends heavily on their age and stage of development. While younger children mainly notice moods and changes in everyday life, older children and young people are increasingly aware of social or global events.
It is important to note that children often fill information gaps with their own imagination. If they notice that adults are worried or tense, insecurities can arise. That's why it usually helps more to address difficult topics gently rather than ignoring them completely.
Be honest – but age-appropriate
Children do not need complete or detailed explanations. Age-appropriate and understandable communication is much more important. It can be helpful to focus on the child's questions: What does my child really want to know? What information does it need right now?
Short, clear and honest answers provide guidance and prevent children from remaining alone with their worries. At the same time, parents can consciously filter and don't have to pass on every incriminating detail.
The decisive factor here is not so much the perfect wording, but the message: "You can ask and we'll talk about it."
Difficult conversations need security
Such conversations often happen in passing - over dinner, on the way to school or before going to sleep. The most important thing is to listen carefully and take feelings seriously.
Children need to feel that they are not alone with their questions and fears. Statements such as "I understand that this is bothering you" or "It's okay if you're worried" can help to convey emotional security.
At the same time, parents can also radiate confidence. Children don't need to feel that they can control everything. But they need to experience that adults take responsibility and provide security.
Parents can also be insecure
Conversations about crises are not only challenging for children. Parents also experience uncertainty, worries or excessive demands. Children are strongly influenced by the reactions of adults.
However, this does not mean that parents always have to appear strong or perfect. It is much more important to deal with your own feelings authentically and calmly. Those who are aware of their own emotions are often better able to give children support.
Conversations can strengthen children
Even if crisis topics can be stressful, conversations offer the opportunity to strengthen children emotionally. They learn to recognize feelings, ask questions and deal with insecurities. Above all, however, they experience that their thoughts are taken seriously.
If you would like to take a closer look at this topic, we would like to invite you to our talk "Talking to children about crises" on June 1st. There you will receive further impulses and practical suggestions for dealing sensitively with difficult topics in everyday family life.
Drug use in adolescence: Between experimentation, limits and responsibility
Young people in search of experience
Adolescence is a time of trying things out, setting boundaries and searching for one's own identity. Many young people want to gain new experiences, test boundaries and find their place in their social environment. This can also include contact with alcohol or other drugs.
For parents, this is often associated with uncertainty. Questions such as "Is this still normal experimentation?" or "Should I be worried?" occupy many families. At the same time, it is often difficult to broach the subject without fear of conflict or distance.
Why young people use drugs
The reasons for drug use in adolescence vary. Curiosity, the desire to belong or the influence of their social environment often play a role. Some young people want to have new experiences or test boundaries. Others use alcohol or other substances to suppress stress, insecurity or stressful feelings in the short term.
It is important to understand this: Not every contact with alcohol or other drugs automatically means an addiction or serious development. Nevertheless, it is worth remaining vigilant and taking changes seriously.
Recognize warning signs
Parents usually know their children very well and often notice early on when something changes. This is less about individual situations and more about developments over a longer period of time.
Possible indications can be a strong withdrawal, sudden mood swings, changes in the circle of friends or a significant drop in performance. Changes in sleeping patterns or increasing conflicts in everyday life can also be signs that young people need support.
However, it is important not to make hasty judgments. Many changes are also part of puberty in general. It is therefore crucial to observe carefully and keep an open mind.
How parents can stay in touch
The relationship between parents and teenagers plays an important role, especially when it comes to sensitive topics such as drug use. Young people need adults who remain approachable, listen and show interest, even when conversations become difficult.
It is helpful to ask questions calmly and openly instead of reacting directly with accusations or control. Statements such as "I'm worried" or "I want to understand how you're feeling" often create more willingness to talk than hasty judgments.
At the same time, parents can set clear boundaries. Young people need guidance and reliability, even if they sometimes question the rules. It is important to remain consistent without losing sight of the relationship.
Strengthen protective factors
In addition to rules and conversations, protective factors also play an important role. Young people benefit from stable relationships, trust, a sense of belonging and the feeling of being taken seriously.
Equally important are spaces in which young people can develop self-confidence, discover their own interests and gain positive experiences. It is not perfection that protects young people, but reliable relationships and the opportunity to talk openly about difficulties.
Supporting young people instead of controlling them
Dealing with drug use in adolescence requires a sensitive balance between attention, trust and responsibility. Parents don't have to solve every situation perfectly. It is much more important to remain present and show young people: "You are not alone with your questions and experiences."
Many parents experience uncertainty and worry about doing something wrong when it comes to drug use. Our talk "Drug use by young people: What can parents do?" on June 15 addresses precisely these issues and provides everyday guidance on how to deal with them openly and supportively in everyday family life.
From school to the world of work – Orientation for the start of professional life
A new everyday life begins
Leaving school marks an important turning point for many young people. The anticipation of more independence, their first money or new experiences is often great. At the same time, starting an apprenticeship or career brings with it many changes that are initially underestimated.
This is because the world of work works differently to school. New processes, fixed structures and a greater degree of personal responsibility are suddenly part of everyday life. For many career starters, this is a major adjustment, both mentally and physically.
When tasks become responsibility
At school, a forgotten homework assignment could often be handed in later. In everyday working life, however, young people quickly experience that tasks are more binding and responsibility becomes more tangible.
Working hours must be adhered to, tasks must be organized independently and deadlines must be met reliably. Many young people only realize how much self-organization is actually required in their day-to-day work. At the same time, there are new expectations: to work in a concentrated manner, think for yourself and ask questions.
This new commitment in particular can create pressure at the beginning.
New routines can be exhausting
Starting a career often also means a physical change. Getting up earlier, longer periods of concentration and new daily routines require energy. Many career starters feel exhausted or overwhelmed more quickly in the first few weeks, even if they generally enjoy their work.
In addition, many young people have high expectations of themselves. They want to work quickly, avoid mistakes and appear competent. Comparisons with colleagues or worries about not being good enough can create additional pressure.
It is therefore important to understand this: It takes time to settle in. Nobody starts a new phase of life perfectly.
Communication changes
Communication is also often very different from everyday school life. For the first time, young people experience new professional structures, fixed responsibilities and exchanges with superiors or colleagues in a professional environment.
This can be unsettling at first. Many young professionals first have to learn how to ask questions, deal with feedback and openly address uncertainties. At the same time, this is part of the learning process.
It is helpful to understand this early on: Nobody expects perfection. Much more important is the willingness to learn, take on responsibility and communicate openly.
What can help when starting out
Small routines play an important role, especially in the first few months. Good time management, sufficient rest and realistic expectations of yourself can help you to cope better with your new everyday life.
It is equally important to take breaks seriously and to create a balance outside of work. After all, the transition to the world of work is not just about learning technical skills, but also about getting to know your own resilience and new limits.
Young people often benefit from honest conversations about the reality of everyday working life. Parents can provide support by showing understanding for the changeover and at the same time communicating it: Uncertainties and mistakes are part of the beginning.
Arriving takes time
Entering the world of work is a major developmental step. Young people not only learn a profession, but also develop independence, responsibility and new skills for everyday life.
Even if the first few months can be challenging, more security and routine will develop over time. The key is not to get everything right straight away, but to arrive in the new role step by step.
DIY – Creative time for the family
June invites you to spend time outdoors, get active together and discover nature with all your senses. With simple ideas, small everyday moments can be transformed into special experiences - without any major effort.
Design your own flower memory
Take advantage of the blossoming nature in June and create a personalized memory game together with your children. Go for a walk and collect flowers, grasses or leaves and press them between the pages of a book for a few days. You can then stick the finds in pairs onto small cards - it looks particularly nice if the cards have different colors.
To ensure that the memory lasts a long time and nothing gets lost, we recommend laminating the cards or protecting them with adhesive foil.
This not only gets children creative, but also makes them more aware of their surroundings. At the same time, a game is created that you can use together again and again - and that is associated with very special memories.
Enjoy strawberry time
June is strawberry season and therefore the perfect opportunity to get active together in the kitchen. Whether it's a simple strawberry quark or small muffins, children can help with the washing, cutting and mixing.
Simple recipe for strawberry muffins:
- 200 g flour
- 100 g sugar
- 1 sachet of baking powder
- 2 eggs
- 100 ml milk
- 100 g butter (melted)
- 150 g fresh strawberries (cut into small pieces)
Mix everything well, carefully fold in the strawberries, pour into muffin tins and bake at 180 °C for about 20 minutes.
It's especially nice if your child is allowed to help with the decorating - this creates a small sense of achievement that is twice as much fun.
Insect quiz in the countryside
Combine a trip to the park or forest with a short discovery tour. Think together in advance about which insects you would like to look for - for example ladybugs, ants or butterflies. You can prepare small picture cards or look together at what the animals look like and what tasks they have in nature.
This turns into an exciting game on the spot: Who discovers which insect first? Who can find the most? In this way, children learn to take a closer look and understand their environment better. A small reward at the end provides additional motivation and fun.
Fit for the bike
June 3 is World Bicycle Day – a great opportunity to get your own bike in shape for the summer together with your children. Check the tire pressure together, test the brakes and make sure everything is working safely.
Don't forget the bike helmet either. Does it still fit properly or has your child outgrown it? Then now is a good time to choose a new helmet together.
Children can be actively involved here and learn to take responsibility in a playful way. This can be followed by a short bike ride together - perhaps with a destination that your child can choose.
International Children's Day: time for a special surprise
International Children's Day in June is a great opportunity to consciously give children time and attention. It doesn't have to be anything big. It is often the small, personal moments that are remembered.
You could let your child decide what to do on this day - an outing, a game together or a special wish. Alternatively, you can plan a small surprise that shows: Today you are the center of attention.
Such moments not only strengthen the relationship, but also give children the feeling of being seen and valued.