- Who it's for
- Outside Caregiver, Youth / Young Adult, Whole Family
- Child / youth age
- Ages 12–15
- Geography
- National
- Action type
- Talk
- Reading time
- About 4 min
- Last verified
- August 2026
What this is
Guidance for helping a child control their own story at school and among friends.
Why it matters
Children who have practiced an answer are far less likely to be caught off guard, and far more likely to feel that the story belongs to them.
What you should know
- Help the child rehearse a short answer they are comfortable giving: 'My dad's away right now.'
- Make clear that the child chooses who to tell, and can change their mind.
- Identify one adult at school who knows and can be a safe exit from a bad moment.
- Teasing that becomes repeated targeting is bullying; report it in writing.
- Do not require the child to defend the parent to peers.
- Check back a few weeks later; the first answer often stops fitting.
Talk about it
Ask: 'If someone asks you about it tomorrow, what do you want to say?'
Your next step
Practice the child's sentence with them once, out loud.
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