Talking to children is something that most people do every day. For professionals who work with children, it is an essential activity.
To help strengthen the child’s participation; the guardian should assist the child to form his or her own views by keeping him or her adequately informed of all relevant aspects; taking into consideration the child’s age and maturity. Information should be provided in a child-friendly way. To be effective; it should be given in oral and/or written form; depending on what is most appropriate; and should be provided in a language that the child understands; taking into consideration the child’s age; maturity and developing capacities. The guardian should make sure that the child understands and can recall the information provided.1
An informal atmosphere is also important. Most refugee children have learned that you should not look an older person in the eye, as that is impolite. It is therefore better to talk to a young refugee while taking a walk, driving in the car or playing a game, rather than simply sitting opposite each other.