Talking to Kids About War & Tragedy Is Hard: 5 Things Parents Can Do to Help Their Children Kids Parenting Headlines Relationships Fatherhood

Tragic events such as terrorist attacks, mass shootings and war are hard enough for parents to comprehend. So how do we talk with our children about these horrible things and allay their fears and anxieties? 

We do live in an unstable world, but there are things we can do to reduce the fear and worry. Helping my own and other children through traumatic events, I've learned these things:

• Talk with children honestly. Communicate with them openly about the event using age-appropriate language. 

• Allow their feelings. Be there for them; show them that it's normal to feel the way they do.

• Teach kids how to grieve. Show your children that we all grieve when tragedy occurs, and grief is essential to healing. It's natural to cry.

• Reassure them that it will be OK. If you're OK, they'll be OK, so seek help and support for yourself if you need it.

• Love them. Truly, love heals all wounds, so keep them close and love them more than ever. 

Get more information on healing from trauma and more on children and grief.

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