Talking to Your Kids in Times of Crisis

How can you help your kids deal with difficult situations and make them feel safe when there are so many troublesome events happening around the world? First and foremost, you need to assure your kids that even in times of crisis, such as the recent sniper shootings, and despite everything that has happened recently, the United States still remains one of the safest places for children to live in and go to school.

For some adolescents, times of crisis can produce troubling physical and emotional reactions. Parents and other caregivers need to be able to help children by communicating with them and helping them to express their feelings and concerns.

Here are some suggestions on how to help kids cope:

• Talk about the events. Provide them with opportunities to talk and ask questions about what they’ve seen on television or heard on the radio. Let them get their feelings out.
• Offer reassurance. Do this even if your children don’t voice their fears out loud. Let them know that the police and community leaders are working to keep children safe.
• Turn off the TV and radio. It’s important to minimize your children’s media access, especially with chilling pieces of information floating around such as “Your children are not safe.” Allowing your kids to see minute-to-minute coverage only will frighten them and add to their anxiety and stress.
• Be positive. Remind them of all the wonderful things that they have to look forward to. It’s important for kids to refocus their attention on their own plans and activities.
• Help children explore other avenues of self-expression, such as plays and activities like drawing, reading books, and other interactive activities.
• Surround them with people they love. Now is a good time to spend time with family and close friends. Creating a safe and nurturing environment can be the best thing for your kids in times of crisis, fear, and anxiety.

Some children may be affected more deeply than others. In fact, some may need additional help, including the assistance of mental health professionals, to recover fully. Parents, too, may need assistance. Some may have their own fears of leaving a child alone after a disaster or other fears they are unable to acknowledge. Parents should seek help for these issues.