As much as we might wish, the world isn’t always a peaceful place. Your child may see things on the news and in social media that frighten them or make them feel especially vulnerable, such as war, political or social upheaval, violence, and natural disasters. Recent events, like the devastating wildfires in Los Angeles, highlight the unpredictability of such crises and their profound effect on families and communities. When these things happen, you may not know what to say–knowing how to talk with your child about their fears is essential.
The following phrases and talking points can help you navigate upsetting world events with your child.
- “You are safe, and your family is safe. My job is to protect you.”
- “I know you’ve heard about some scary things happening in the world. I want you to know that I’m here to talk.”
- “It’s normal to feel upset at this news, and it’s OK for you to need time to process what’s going on.”
- “I don’t have all the answers for why this happened. I’d like to do some research so I can understand more. Would you like to do some research with me?”
- “If you ask me a question about what happened, I will tell you the truth.”
- “Feeling vulnerable isn’t weakness. It means you feel empathy and that’s a good thing to have in order to make the world a better place.”
- “If you’re feeling helpless, let’s find a way to do something right now, whether that’s through a charitable organization or volunteer opportunity.”
- “Right now, I’m going to help protect you by limiting the news you’re hearing and images you’re seeing online and in social media.”
- “I’m here if you need to keep talking about this.”
Finding Comfort in Connection
In times of crisis, such as the recent wildfires, providing a sense of safety and fostering open communication with your child are tactical steps toward helping them process their emotions. At Cleo, we understand the importance of handling these challenging moments with care and empathy. We’re here to support families at every stage of their journey, ensuring they feel equipped to handle life’s uncertainties.