Today, we are seeing far too many tragedies unfold across our country and the world, many of them involving children. Whether it is news of a school shooting, a violent incident in the neighborhood, or a disaster reported on social media, the sheer frequency of these events can feel overwhelming.
Today, we are seeing far too many tragedies unfold across our country and the world, many of them involving children. Whether it is news of a school shooting, a violent incident in the neighborhood, or a disaster reported on social media, the sheer frequency of these events can feel overwhelming.
If you are struggling to find the right words, here are a few suggestions to help you navigate these sensitive discussions with care and clarity.
▪ Give children honest answers and information. Children will usually know, or eventually find out, if you’re “making things up.” It may affect their ability to trust you or your reassurances in the future.
▪ Use words and concepts children can understand. Gear your explanations to the child’s age, language, and developmental level.
▪ Be prepared to repeat information and explanations several times. Some information may be hard for them to accept or understand. Asking the same question repeatedly may also be a way for a child to seek reassurance.
Supporting children through trauma is not something you have to do alone. If you need additional help or professional tools for navigating these conversations, visit The National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
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