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How to Talk to Your Kids About a Tragedy

Discussion in 'Psychiatry' started by Hadeel Abdelkariem, Jul 19, 2018.

  1. Hadeel Abdelkariem

    Hadeel Abdelkariem Golden Member

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    As parents, it’s natural to want to protect your children, even from what they see on the news.

    When traumatic and violent events happen, like the shooting in Las Vegas that killed more than 50 people and injured more than 500 others, there’s no easy way to talk to your children about it. But it’s important to have those talks, says Suzanne Silverstein, founding director of the Share and Care program at Cedars-Sinai and an expert in psychological trauma.

    “It’s our job to talk to our children honestly and sensitively about what they’ve seen and heard when tragic events happen.”

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    How to help children process a tragedy
    Limit screen time. While you cannot entirely shield kids of any age from upsetting news, you can limit their exposure to it within your own home. Tuning into round-the-clock news coverage can overexpose children to traumatic images and reports that are confusing and even frightening. (Too much of this isn’t great for adults, either.)

    “Seeing the same thing on television over and over again can give young children a sense that it’s happening over and over again,” Silverstein says.

    Social media feeds filled with videos and news stories about a shooting or other tragedy can feed a number of different emotions—so emphasize with older children the importance of balancing their desire to be well-informed with good self-care.

    “Our children look to us to see how to react to situations.”

    Listen to your child’s feelings and validate them. Let your children talk to you about their feelings, fears, and worries following incidents like the Las Vegas shooting. Validate that being scared is an understandable response, and reassure them that right now they are safe. “It’s also important to remind them of all the measures that are in place to keep them safe,” Silverstein says.

    Tailor your responses to your child’s age. There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to handling tough topics.

    Preschool age: For children in preschool, it’s easier to control what they see and hear. Consider not bringing up a recent scary event unless they ask about it first. Assure them that if they have questions, you’re here to answer them.

    Elementary school age: At this age, they’re likely to hear about events like this at school, and it’s wise to have a pre-emptive conversation with them. Provide basic, factual information and let them ask you questions. Skip graphic details and focus on their concerns.

    Middle school and high school age: A more detailed discussion will be appropriate. Ask them what they’ve heard and what they think about it. Give them a chance to discuss their fears and feelings.

    “Reassure them every chance you get that you’re always there to listen to them and to answer their questions.”

    Answer their questions honestly, even if it means saying, “I don’t know.” There are lots of questions in the aftermath of mass shootings and other tragedies, and often few satisfying answers. It’s OK to admit that you don’t know an answer to a question, or that you will have to think about their questions further.

    “Thank your children for their trust in you, and for coming to you with their questions,” Silverstein says. “Reassure them every chance you get that you’re always there to listen to them and to answer their questions.”

    Give them extra time and attention. Prioritize family time. Allow plenty of time to talk to them and play with them. Engage in activities you enjoy as a family.

    Maintain your good habits. Keeping meals on track, getting plenty of rest, making time for physical activity, and reminding your children that you love them and you’re there for them are always important.

    “Kindness outweighs bad actions.”

    Keep an eye on your own behavior. “Our children look to us to see how to react to situations,” Silverstein says. “If we do a good job taking care of ourselves and managing our emotions, our children learn from that.” Show compassion and sensitivity to those affected by the crisis; model the kind of behavior you want to see in your children.

    Reinforce kindness. This is a good time to remind your children to do something kind for another person. “Kindness outweighs bad actions,” she says.

    “Information travels more quickly than ever, and as adults and parents, it’s our job to talk to our children honestly and sensitively about what they’ve seen and heard when tragic events like these happen,” says Silverstein. “It’s important we talk to them in a manner that is honest, sensitive, and age-appropriate.”

    Your child wants to learn about these tragic events from you, not on the school yard.

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