Telling Kids Their Story
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How do you share the truth about a child’s traumatic past in a way that fosters understanding and growth? This video explores the how, why, and when of discussing difficult truths with children from hard places. Learn six practical tips to help foster, adoptive, and kinship families approach these sensitive conversations with care and empathy.
Every child deserves to know their story — it’s a vital part of their identity. For children from hard places, their stories often include moments of pain and trauma. While it can be challenging to navigate these discussions, research shows that openness and honesty help foster trust and prevent feelings of shame or betrayal as children grow.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
- Why sharing a child’s story is essential for their development.
- Strategies for discussing difficult topics with compassion.
- The importance of timing and age-appropriate communication.
📖 Key Insight:
“Secrets create exclusion, destroy authenticity, produce fantasies, evoke fear, and kindle shame.” – Jayne Schooler, Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Child
Telling Kids Their Story
Week 1
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How do you share the truth about a child’s traumatic past in a way that fosters understanding and growth? This video explores the how, why, and when of discussing difficult truths with children from hard places. Learn six practical tips to help foster, adoptive, and kinship families approach these sensitive conversations with care and empathy.
Every child deserves to know their story — it’s a vital part of their identity. For children from hard places, their stories often include moments of pain and trauma. While it can be challenging to navigate these discussions, research shows that openness and honesty help foster trust and prevent feelings of shame or betrayal as children grow.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
- Why sharing a child’s story is essential for their development.
- Strategies for discussing difficult topics with compassion.
- The importance of timing and age-appropriate communication.
📖 Key Insight:
“Secrets create exclusion, destroy authenticity, produce fantasies, evoke fear, and kindle shame.” – Jayne Schooler, Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Child
Series Videos
Telling Kids Their Story
How do you share the truth about a child’s traumatic past in a way that fosters understanding and growth? This video explores the how, why, and when of discussing difficult truths with children from hard places. Learn six practical tips to help foster, adoptive, and kinship families approach these sensitive conversations with care and empathy.
Every child deserves to know their story — it’s a vital part of their identity. For children from hard places, their stories often include moments of pain and trauma. While it can be challenging to navigate these discussions, research shows that openness and honesty help foster trust and prevent feelings of shame or betrayal as children grow.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
- Why sharing a child’s story is essential for their development.
- Strategies for discussing difficult topics with compassion.
- The importance of timing and age-appropriate communication.
📖 Key Insight:
“Secrets create exclusion, destroy authenticity, produce fantasies, evoke fear, and kindle shame.” – Jayne Schooler, Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Child

Telling Kids Their Story
How do you share the truth about a child’s traumatic past in a way that fosters understanding and growth? This video explores the how, why, and when of discussing difficult truths with children from hard places. Learn six practical tips to help foster, adoptive, and kinship families approach these sensitive conversations with care and empathy.
Every child deserves to know their story — it’s a vital part of their identity. For children from hard places, their stories often include moments of pain and trauma. While it can be challenging to navigate these discussions, research shows that openness and honesty help foster trust and prevent feelings of shame or betrayal as children grow.
💡 What You’ll Learn:
- Why sharing a child’s story is essential for their development.
- Strategies for discussing difficult topics with compassion.
- The importance of timing and age-appropriate communication.
📖 Key Insight:
“Secrets create exclusion, destroy authenticity, produce fantasies, evoke fear, and kindle shame.” – Jayne Schooler, Telling the Truth to Your Adopted or Foster Child