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5. The importance of listening to children

The importance of listening to children

Always seen and never heard? But at CHILDREN 1ST we know that really listening to a child is the most crucial step in keeping them safe.

Here’s what Ruth Ritchie from CHILDREN 1ST's Chill Out Zone drop-in for young people in Bathgate said about listening to children:

“Taking a bit of time to ask a child or young person how they are doing and really listening to the answers seems so simple but is so important.

Children who are struggling with problems at home, at school or with their friends often try and cope on their own. They don’t know who to speak to or how to bring it up.

But by making sure you listen and try to understand, you can help a child or young person to know that they can trust you.”

Les Hood from the CHILDREN 1ST Killen Family Resource Centre, goes on:

“Sometimes when children talk about abuse, it can be difficult to take them seriously. But we rarely know what goes on behind closed doors. Many children suffer in silence.

By listening to a child and assuring them that you believe what they’re saying, you are helping them to take the first step towards safety. It is only then that they can go on to recover from the abuse, often with the help of services like those provided by CHILDREN 1ST.”

Read CHILDREN 1ST’s Ten Top Tips to help you know what to do when you have a concern about a child.