HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT TRAUMATIC EVENTS AND SCARY NEWS
When a child endures a traumatic experience, whether directly, via community violence or by watching the news regarding school shootings or other tragedy, the whole family feels the impact. As adults, we hold the power to help lessen its effects on the children in our lives. Several factors can change the course of kids’ lives: feeling seen and heard by a caring adult, being patiently taught coping strategies and resilience-building techniques, and being with adults who know about the effects of such experiences.
Below are several articles from trusted sources to help you navigate. If you need more immediate support, you can call our Parenting Stress Helpline at 1-800-829-3777, 24 hours a day.
SESAME STREET IN COMMUNITIES COMMON SENSE MEDIA
TRAUMATIC EXPERIENCES HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT SCHOOL SHOOTINGS
COMMUNITY VIOLENCE HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT RACISM AND RACIAL VIOLENCE
VIOLENCE HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT VIOLENCE, CRIME AND WAR
CHILD MIND INSTITUTE NPR – NATIONAL PUBLIC RADIO
HOW TO TALK TO KIDS ABOUT SCHOOL SHOOTINGS WHAT TO SAY TO KIDS ABOUT SCHOOL SHOOTING TO EASE THEIR STRESS
HOW TO AVOID PASSING ANXIETY ONTO YOUR KIDS WHAT TO SAY TO KIDS WHEN THE NEWS IS SCARY