Yorkshire author Hilary Robinson is not afraid to tackle difficult subjects. In fact, she chooses to do so in several of her books, hoping to help children to deal with issues that may arise in their childhood.

Her writing has covered such topics as bereavement, adoption, divorce and homelessness. Not obvious choices, perhaps, for a young audience, but important ones, she says.

“As a society, it’s easier to build strong children than repair broken adults,” she explains. “If we can give children skills to cope with difficult circumstances, and often those are having the confidence to articulate or trying to articulate how they feel about something, it’s likely to alleviate problems later in life.

“It’s about tapping into their communication skills and helping them to explain where they’re coming from.”

Hilary Robinson is a children's author who deals with difficult subjects such as bereavement and homelessness.

Hilary, who has written more than 60 books for children, will consult with the likes of counsellors and therapists to guide her work around such difficult topics. Language, in particular, is something she carefully considers, avoiding metaphors and euphemisms and writing without ambiguity.

“It’s best to be open with children, in a gentle and age appropriate way,” she says.

Hilary is mulling over the idea of a book that draws on the cost of living crisis and the challenges that many families are now facing. "It’s very complex and children are coming at it from different points of view,” she explains. “You have extreme poverty at one end and slight adjustments at the other end so finding a book that would meet all of that is a task.”

When it comes to approaching the cost of living crisis with children, Hilary, also a radio producer, has two key pieces of advice – listen to their concerns and help them feel involved in any solutions.

“They’re hearing things on the news and from their friends and it’s natural for them to internalise that and whether it’s going to affect them….Whatever they’re hearing, make sure you try to listen to whatever they’re saying,” she says.

“The cost of living crisis is a difficult one and that’s because it’s so broad. There’s children in fear of losing a roof over their heads and others having to make minor adjustments to move forward. What I would say is be frank, honest, gentle.

"Listen to their questions in an age-appropriate way and help them to feel part of the solution.

"If they can identify ways in which they can help – turning off light switches or turning off the tap when they’re brushing their teeth, thinking of things they can play and do that don’t cost anything – make sure the child feels emboldened by that and included in that.”

When a child is feeling anxious, it’s important to recognise why and take steps to reassure them if you can, she adds.

“I appreciate there’s not always easy solutions. But a problem shared is a problem halved. We all know that often we feel a lot better having spoken to somebody who we trust.”

Yorkshire author Hilary Robinson on tackling difficult topics and how best to address the cost of living crisis with children