Teach your children that some secrets can be harmful and that no one should ask them to keep a bad secret. Let them know that some secrets can hurt someone and that they should tell you immediately
Whatever the secret is, take a breath and make a conscious choice to respond, not react, to the situation. This will let your child know that they can continue to come to you when they are in trouble or when they have something they need to talk about.
Secrets and surprises aren’t something that you should talk about once and assume your child understands.
Keep revisiting the conversation.
Any time there is a surprise, remind your child about the difference between a good or bad surprise or secret.
Keep talking to them, listening to them, and letting them know that you are there for them. No matter what.
