Increasingly with the tragic events locally, nationally and globally the safety of our children is always a priority. This includes their emotional well-being and security. We want to learn ways to shield our children from the trauma of processing events like terrorist attacks or natural disasters.
It is important for us to focus on helping our children feel secure during uncertain times. The news is saturated with features on tragedies that our children need guidance understanding. For this reason, the best strategy during difficult times is to turn off the news on the television and radio.
When this is not possible because your child has already inadvertently seen or heard an upsetting news report; it is best to talk to your child. The first step is to ask your child what he/she knows about the topic to determine what he/she has gleaned from the news and other sources. In this way you can clear up any misconceptions and provide correct simple information. Remember to be honest and feel comfortable sharing that you feel sad and/or scared too. It is also important to give him/her the space to share his/her fears which can counteract an active imagination that can lead to worries. In elementary-age children, the line between fantasy and reality may still be blurred, for this reason your input may be necessary. The key is to reassure him/her that although these events are scary that he/she does not have to worry about these bad people hurting him/her. Also he/she may have questions about his/her safety when he/she is away from you. This is the opportunity to point out that he/she is safe at school and that the school has systems to protect him/her and communicate with you.
To avoid increasing any anxiety your child may have about these topics, please avoid discussing tragic events around bedtime as it may make it difficult for him/her to fall asleep. Also consider limiting their further exposure to news reports about these events as children can tend to become worried as a result of the images and language commonly used during these broadcasts.
For more tips on how to have these conversations with your child visit the American Psychological Association website.
It is important for us to focus on helping our children feel secure during uncertain times. The news is saturated with features on tragedies that our children need guidance understanding. For this reason, the best strategy during difficult times is to turn off the news on the television and radio.
When this is not possible because your child has already inadvertently seen or heard an upsetting news report; it is best to talk to your child. The first step is to ask your child what he/she knows about the topic to determine what he/she has gleaned from the news and other sources. In this way you can clear up any misconceptions and provide correct simple information. Remember to be honest and feel comfortable sharing that you feel sad and/or scared too. It is also important to give him/her the space to share his/her fears which can counteract an active imagination that can lead to worries. In elementary-age children, the line between fantasy and reality may still be blurred, for this reason your input may be necessary. The key is to reassure him/her that although these events are scary that he/she does not have to worry about these bad people hurting him/her. Also he/she may have questions about his/her safety when he/she is away from you. This is the opportunity to point out that he/she is safe at school and that the school has systems to protect him/her and communicate with you.
To avoid increasing any anxiety your child may have about these topics, please avoid discussing tragic events around bedtime as it may make it difficult for him/her to fall asleep. Also consider limiting their further exposure to news reports about these events as children can tend to become worried as a result of the images and language commonly used during these broadcasts.
For more tips on how to have these conversations with your child visit the American Psychological Association website.
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