How to Talk to Your Children About Tragic Events

Shootings. Terrorist attacks.  Police shooting people, and people shooting police. Riots. Violent protests.

The news is flooded with reports of murder, destruction, fighting, tension, and terrorism on a daily basis.

We are constantly bombarded with graphic images and headlines that invoke feelings of shock, fear, and grief.

Unfortunately, the most vulnerable of us – our children – are not immune from exposure.

You might be wondering what to say to your kids about all of this. Lately, it sure seems like the world is a terrible place, with danger lurking around every corner.

Fully shielding your kids from the horrible images and stories that are flooding the news and social media is impossible, but you can help them process their thoughts and feelings about what they are seeing.

And, you can provide comfort, reassurance, and guidance while being careful to avoid making the world sound like a dangerous place.

But before you can do that, you have to make sure you have the capacity to deliver the message.  If you are a frazzled ball of anxiety, how will you be able to comfort your child?

When you fly on an airplane, the flight attendant instructs you to put your oxygen mask on first, before helping others.

Why is this an important rule for improving your odds of survival?

Because if you run out of oxygen, you can’t help anyone else.

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Here are some things to consider and tips for helping your children cope.

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