How to Talk to Your Kids when Terrible Things Happen Around the World

Our colleagues at the Culver City Unified School District created this list with helpful tips on HOW TO TALK TO YOUR KIDS/STUDENTS WHEN TERRIBLE THINGS HAPPEN AROUND THE WORLD.
 

Children look to the adults for a sense of safety and security – even more so in times of crisis. The Psychological First Aid protective factors call upon us to listen, protect, connect, model and teach our children. The five key principles are a sense of safety, calming, a sense of self and community efficacy, connectedness, and hope.

Here are some tips on how to talk to your child about war and conflict:

  1. Find out what your children know and how they feel. The images being profiled in the media can be terrifying. Try to shield children from disturbing images.

  2. Keep it calm and age-appropriate. Children have a right to know what’s going on in the world, but adults also have a responsibility to keep them safe from distress. Try not to overshare any fears with your child.

  3. Spread compassion, not stigma. This can be challenging when talking about the atrocities of war. Focus on messaging that children that everyone deserves to be safe at school and in society. Bullying and discrimination are always wrong and we should each do our part to spread kindness and support each other.

  4. Focus on the helpers. It is important for children to know that there are people who are exercising courage and kindness, and promoting peace. There are adults at school for your child to talk to if they desire.

 

Resources for parents and educators:

Tips for Parents and Educators Parents and educators can help protect children by helping them understand media coverage while limiting their exposure to distressing images.

Reactions you might see and how you can help in, Helping Youth after Community Trauma: Tips for Educators, a guide from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.

https://www.lacoe.edu/Home/EASE The Employee Assistance Service for Education website. EASE is an assessment and brief counseling service to employees of our member districts and their families. 

Your comfort, support and reassurance can make children feel safe, help them manage their fears in a healthy way. 


This guide by the Child Mind Institute can help children cope with traumatic events.

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