Children may learn of troubling current events through social media, friends, or adults’ conversations – and pick up on their caregivers’ emotions and reactions to these events. We hope that the following resources offer guidance when working through these difficult situations with your family.
General principles include: limiting media consumption; having age-appropriate and honest dialogue with open-ended questions; offering reassurance and support; checking in with your child frequently; and reaching out to your child’s healthcare provider for help if your child is showing signs of excessive stress or anxiety.
Resources
- MGH Parenting At a Challenging Time (PACT): Parenting Through Community Crises & Disasters
- Common Sense Media:
- Kids Health: How to Talk to Your Child About the News
- National Association of School Psychologists (NASP): Talking to Children About Violence
- NPR: What To Say To Kids When The News Is Scary
- American Academy of Pediatrics: Talking to Children About Tragedies & Other News Events
- An Activity Book For African American Families: Helping Children Cope with Crisis
