Reading material and other resources to help you talk to children about scary and challenging topics in the news
good communication creates room to grow
Sharing stories and talking with children can make them feel safe and loved.
There are many ways that children process emotions based on news and events they see around them, and they often gauge their reactions on the emotions of adults in their lives. Older children may feel comfortable sharing their thoughts, while younger children may not be able to put their feelings into words. Both physical and emotional comfort are important when reassuring kids that they are safe and loved.
Here are some resources for talking to kids from different age groups about these subjects:
- Helping Kids Navigate Scary New Stories (PBS Kids)
- Talking with Children After Tragic Events (The National Center for Grieving Children and Families)
- Talking to Children about Tragedies and Other News Events (American Academy of Pediatrics)
- How to Talk to Kids About Difficult Subjects (Common Sense Media)
- How to Discuss Violence in Schools with Children (Public School Review)
- Supporting Young Children after Crisis Events (National Association for the Education of Young Children)