Empowering Resettled Caregivers to Engage in Hard Conversations with Their Children

WHAT WILL THE WEBINAR COVER? 

Adjusting to caregiving norms in American culture during resettlement can be daunting for newcomer families. Many children and caregivers may experience culturally-specific stigma and discomfort around sensitive topics, making certain “difficult conversations”—about mental health, puberty, substance use, discrimination, and other issues—even more stressful. Regardless of their cultural background, caregivers often encounter tough questions from their children that they may not know how to answer immediately. For newcomer caregivers, specifically, children may ask tough questions like, “Why am I treated differently here?” or, “Why did we leave our country?”. The American Psychological Association suggests that when caregivers address difficult topics proactively and in age-appropriate language, their children feel safer and more secure. This webinar aims to educate providers on best practices in addressing these concerns with resettled caregivers and coaching them through initiating, responding to, and holding space for difficult conversations.   

IS THIS WEBINAR FOR ME? 

This webinar is aimed at direct service providers, school staff, and agency leaders who work with newcomer caregivers and families from diverse backgrounds. 

WHY SHOULD I PARTICIPATE?  

After participating in this 75-minute session, you will be able to:   

-Define stigma and describe how it may impact the way caregivers from different backgrounds communicate with their children 

Identify three difficult conversation topics that may be especially challenging to navigate for newcomer families 

Explain why it is important for caregivers to have difficult conversations with their children  

Apply three techniques to assist resettled caregivers in preparing for difficult conversations with their children