What a great question, Leigh Anne! When I was a child therapist, the clients I worked with often asked me a number of "tough questions" during my time with them. I typically tried to turn the question into an opportunity to learn more about what THEY thought about the issue. Thus, I would first ask them what they had noticed in the world, what experiences they have had thus far with the issue, what were their worries, hopes, etc? I would also ask them whether they had talked with their parents about the issue. If so, what did their parents say? Have they talked with their friends? If so, what do their friends think about it? I think this approach works well with therapy clients, but I also think it can be extended to interactions outside of the therapy office! Of course, when in doubt, I think that giving your honest and genuine opinion consistent with the issue and age of the child is always a good approach.