The advice comes shortly after Prince Archie recently turned seven, a stage experts describe as a key developmental milestone where children begin to think more logically and question the world around them in deeper ways.
A clinical psychologist and member of a medical advisory board specializing in family and child mental health, Dr. Frankie Harrison, spoke to the Daily Express UK about the importance of honest communication during this stage of development. She warned that avoiding difficult conversations or simplifying the truth too much could have a long-term emotional impact on children.
Dr. Harrison explained that age seven marks a major shift in how children think. At this stage, they move away from imaginative thinking and begin developing more structured reasoning skills. This means they start to understand cause and effect, interpret social situations more clearly, and ask more detailed and direct questions about their surroundings and relationships.
She added that this period is also crucial for shaping a child’s identity. Children begin forming a stronger sense of self and try to understand where they fit within their family and the wider world.
According to Dr. Harrison, family stories and explanations become especially important at this stage. Even when parts of a family history are complex or sensitive, children still need a clear and age-appropriate understanding of their background to help them feel secure and grounded.
She also noted that children at this age start to recognize family connections more clearly, including relationships with grandparents, cousins, aunts, and uncles. If certain family members are distant—whether emotionally or geographically—children may begin to notice and naturally become more curious about it.
The expert cautioned that when children are not given clear answers, they often try to fill in the gaps themselves, which can lead to confusion or misunderstandings. For this reason, she emphasized the importance of providing honest, simple, and consistent explanations.
Dr. Harrison further warned that at seven years old, children are highly observant and can quickly sense when information is being avoided or when they are not being told the full picture.
She concluded by highlighting that open communication at this stage helps build trust and lays the foundation for healthy relationships during adolescence, reinforcing the importance of honesty, openness, and emotional safety within the family.
