October 12, 2023
Whether it’s human violence or natural disaster, your child likely has some idea that something is going on. Learn how to support them through it.
We do not raise our families in a vacuum. Political and social violence, scary world events, and more traumas leave parents and children overwhelmed — understandably.
You may want to check in with your child about how these events are impacting them, but feel nervous about how to start. If you are uncertain about how to start this discussion with your child, here are some suggestions:
- Take care of yourself. It’s difficult to care for others when you haven’t started processing your own feelings.
- Start by asking questions. Figure out what your child knows so far before sharing too much information at one time. It can be as simple as starting with this: “What have you heard about X recent event?”
- Ask friends or family for advice. Loved ones can remind you that you’re not alone, and you can problem-solve together.
- Use age-appropriate language. Depending on your child’s age, you will want to use simple language. Try something like, “I know you’ve heard about some scary things happening in the world. I want you to know that you are safe and I’m here to talk.” Some other tips on how to talk to your kids include:
- Listen. Sometimes, the best way for a child to process their emotions is to talk through them without needing much else from you.
- Remind your child if they are feeling helpless that they can be the change they wish to see. Find proactive ways to give them hope about their future and the role they can play within it. Make a donation to charitable organizations or find a volunteer opportunity that will allow your child the ability contribute.
- Decide social media usage. You may choose to limit or disable social media usage during this time in order to help your child avoid seeing certain images or hearing misinformation.
- Finding support in family and community is key. Support systems and strong communities can bolster families during challenging times. Joining affinity groups, which are usually related to personal identity, or local organizing groups can provide an outlet to help the causes you care about.
It’s OK if you don’t have all the answers. Offer to do some research with your child so you can gather all the facts.
There are many ways to practice your values, and Cleo is here to support you through it all.