Discussion Questions for Bad Secrets

Here are some follow-up discussion questions to help children process and understand the story as well as to open a dialogue about safety and boundaries:

~Understanding Feelings:

1. How do you think Sophia felt when Neal asked her to keep a “bad secret”?

2. What emotions do you think Kabir experienced when he shared his bad secret with his mom?

3. How did Sophia and Kabir feel after they told their mom what happened?

~Boundaries & Consent:

1. Why is it important to tell someone when someone makes you feel uncomfortable?

2. What are some examples of good touches and bad touches?

3. Who are safe adults you can talk to if you ever feel scared or uncomfortable?

~Secrets:

1. What is the difference between a good secret (like a surprise party) and a bad secret?

2. Why should we never keep secrets that make us feel sad, scared, or hurt?

~Building Courage:

1. Why was it brave of Sophia and Kabir to tell their mom what happened?

2. What can you do if someone tells you to keep a secret that makes you feel uneasy?

~Action & Empowerment:

1. What would you do if a friend told you they had a bad secret?

2. How can we support our friends if they are feeling scared or upset about something?

3. What are some ways to stay safe when playing with others or meeting new people?

~Reflecting on Family Support:

1. How do Sophia and Kabir’s mom help them after they told her what happened?

2. How can families work together to create a safe space for everyone to share their feelings?

These questions encourage children to identify emotions, understand boundaries, and feel empowered to seek help when needed.