Sometimes the world can feel like a scary place, even for adults. Global events like wars, political unrest, violence and famine are likely to upset even the most desensitised of us.
So how do we introduce news about world events into our home?
Our first instinct as parents may be to shield our children from it. But this isn’t always the best approach, particularly as kids get older. It might be your role, then, to act as a filter and interpreter to help them understand and work through scary things.
But how do you do this? Here are some strategies to help you talk to your children about scary world events.
How to talk to children about scary world events
Consider your child’s age, maturity level and sensitivity level
All children are unique. While one eight-year-old child may be able to tune into the news cycle without much effect, another may feel deeply unsettled just hearing a headline. Your approach for how to talk to children about scary world events will need to be flexible and unique to your child.
Before approaching any big conversations, take into account your child’s age, level of maturity and temperament. You’ll also need to consider what’s going on in their life right now. If they’re already feeling overwhelmed and unregulated, their ability to handle upsetting news will likely be reduced.
When it comes to older kids, don’t avoid it completely
While you might want to avoid discussing scary world events altogether, as kids get older they will often overhear discussions in the classroom or from their friends. It’s better that you’re the one to provide the facts and help them navigate their feelings, rather than relying on the misinformed opinion of a peer.
You can make informed decisions about how much news to expose them to and how much context they need. You are the best judge about whether your child can cope and process the information.
Find out what they know
A good place to start when navigating how to talk to children about scary world events is to ask what they know. They may understand a lot more than you realise. Conversely, they may have heard a lot of misinformation or be riddled with anxiety.
Knowing where they’re at will help show you where you need to go. They may need more context to understand it, or simply need your emotional support. Check in with how they’re feeling and if they have any questions.
Keep it simple and stick to the facts
Stick to the facts and keep your explanation simple. Help your child to understand what’s going on in words and at a level they understand. Sometimes too much information can be overwhelming for a child, so follow their lead and filter the news as necessary. Be open and honest, and if you don’t know an answer, say so.
Be their support system
No matter how upsetting the news is, parents will want to help their child feel safe and supported. They may have some big feelings. Listen to how they feel and focus on your connection with them. Good parent-child communication here is key.
By teaching them how to process their feelings as they arise, your child can learn how to navigate unsettling times and build resilience. You could also share how you’re feeling to normalise their emotions, but avoid projecting your fears onto them. Reassure your child that all feelings are valid.
If they’re feeling hopeless, encourage them to look for all the ‘helpers’ in the situation. No matter how tragic the event, there will always be people taking care of others. Reassure them that you will always do your best to keep them safe.
For older children, you can also share strategies on how to choose reliable news sources and differentiate between fact and opinion.
Allow room for other ways of processing
Children often process their feelings through play and creativity. You could offer some paper and pencils, dolls for roleplay or open-ended resources like air-dry clay or playdough. Child-led play therapy is another way children can process and communicate their emotions.
Observe your child over time
It’s wise to keep an eye on your child and watch out for any changes in mood, appetite, interests, relationships, etc. Check in and ask your child how they’re feeling. If you think the news has significantly affected them, you could engage the support of a child psychologist.
Need support on how to talk to children about scary world events?
If you’d like further advice on how to talk to children about scary world events, there are a range of professionals who can help.
Our team of Young Minds Network clinicians can share strategies for communication and helping children process their feelings. Alternatively, we can check in with your child to see how they’re coping. If you’re too busy to get to a clinic, you could use our Young Minds Network Telehealth service.
Find out more about how to talk to children about scary world events by making an appointment enquiry today. We’re here to support you.