Terrorism is something that affects all of us...even our children. It's a tragic part of the world they are growing up in. Our immediate instinct is to shield our children from what's going on around them...to keep them from knowing about the danger that lurks in today's world.
While we may wish we didn't have to talk about terrorist acts with our
innocent kids, it's a necessity. Due to the world we live in and the
nonstop news cycle, we must develop the tools to discuss terrorism
with children. Even in tragedy, we must tell our children the truth and help them process it. That's not easy because usually we're having difficulty wrapping our heads around what has happened ourselves.
Here are some helpful tips about how to talk with children about terrorism.
TELL THEM ASAP. Children will hear what happened either by overhearing a news report or from a friend at school or listening to someone else talking about it. It's best that it comes from you first so you can answer their questions, share the appropriate facts and set the emotional tone.
Pay attention to the types of questions they are asking and listen for any fears they may have.
LET THEM EXPRESS THEIR FEELINGS. Some children may not speak up about their feelings or fears unless you ask them. Ask the child if he or she has any worries about what happened. Just telling the child there's nothing to worry about will show them you may not be the person to speak to about their fears. Let them talk it out and show that you understand.
Children are egocentric and believe that any bad thing that happens anywhere is heading their way. Don't dismiss their fears as foolish, but point out that terrorism events are rare and unlikely to happen to them.
KEEP IT AGE-APPROPRIATE. You don't need to share all the details with them like the exact number of people who died or what specific kinds of weapons were used or how the attack was coordinated.
Preschoolers: If the child is under 5, it is okay to avoid the subject if possible. At this age, kids tend to confuse facts with fears, so limit access to news and other sources of information. If they do ask questions, answer them simply but carefully. You don't have to give them any more details than they ask for.
Elementary-age kids: Answer who, what, when and why. Then let the child's questions and concerns guide the conversation. Focus on the child's well being.
REASSURE THEM. After you've talked them through their fears, assure them of their safety. Reassure them there are good people trying to prevent any future attacks. Put it perspective by letting them know it's on the news because it is an unusual occurrence.
KEEP A NORMAL ROUTINE. Keep your normal daily routines going. This will help them feel stable and secure.
MODEL A GOOD RESPONSE. Stay calm as you talk through the events. Children pick up their cues from their parents' responses. If your voice conveys confidence in the people who are protecting us, it reassures your children.
The No.1 thing kids need from their parents during times like these is their time. Just be available for your kids. This is the best thing you can do for your children during this tumultuous age of terorism.
Parents
would like to do everything possible to protect our kids. But we live
in a world where 9/11 and ISIS are part of everyday life. So how do we
explain terrorist acts and other violence to our children?
Let’s work our way through the age groups, from pacifiers and pull-ups to acne and angst. Whether your children are nursing or shaving, your primary goal is to help them feel safe. Here's how:
Tip #2: If you do walk in to find your preschooler staring at disturbing footage on TV, stay calm. Simply say “Hey, let’s give the TV a rest,” turn it off, and then gently redirect: “Tell me about this drawing you were working so hard on.” Don’t lunge for the remote, cover their eyes, or snap “You shouldn’t be watching that.” If you make it dramatic, it will make more of an impression and create anxiety or guilt..
Tip #3: If your young child re-enacts a tragedy, help him play it out until everyone is safe. For
example, if your young son builds a LEGO city and then crushes it,
saying it was “bombed,” say, “Time to call in the fix-it crew!” Join
him in rebuilding it and then ask how it can be made safe. Perhaps
he’ll build a wall, make a couch-cushion shield, or have a toy dinosaur
guard it. Especially for younger children, accuracy matters less than
feeling safe. Most importantly, drive home the sense of safety
non-verbally by offering hugs and cuddles for no reason at all.
If they say “nothing,” you don’t have to force them to talk. You’re aiming for presence, not pressure. So long as they know you’re a safe, non-judgmental person to whom to talk, conversation will come when they’re ready.
If
they do tell you what they’ve heard, “Noah said bad guys cut off a
guy’s head,” listen for three things: fears, misperceptions, and
questions. Here’s how to deal with each:
Tip #5: When you hear fears, normalize their feelings. If they’re scared, say “Lots of kids and even adults feel scared. That was scary.” Don’t say, “Don’t worry about it.” or “There’s nothing to be scared of.” Even if that’s technically true, that’s not how they feel. They’ll feel dismissed and learn you’re not someone who’s safe to talk to.
Tip #6: Look for the helpers. Take the advice of the inimitable Mr. Rogers and, in times of tragedy, “Look for the helpers.” Soothe fears by reassuring kids that military, police, or other community helpers they already know are there to protect people no matter what. Likewise, if there is news coverage about someone acting as a hero or helping the survivors, tell them the story. Leave your child with faith in humanity.
Tip #7: Highlight distance. Another way to soothe fears is to emphasize the distance between your home and terrorist events. TV brings it right into your living room, and many kids don’t know whether Syria is the next town over or another planet. Use a globe or world map to show how far away the violence is from your city.
Tip #8: Possibility versus probability. For older kids who can handle abstract semantics, you can discuss the difference between possibility and probability. Yes, violence and terrorism is possible in the world, but it’s probably not going to happen, especially not in your town. Part of the reason such violent acts make the news in the first place is because they’re so rare.
Tip #9: Remind them that most people are good. Soothe fears with reminders that even though terrorists use violence, most people don’t approve of violence as a way to solve problems. Remind them that, of all the people in the world, not many are terrorists and that, in fact, most people are caring and kind and usually find peaceful ways to solve their disagreements.
Tip #11: Gently correct inappropriate humor. For kids who misperceive the gravity of the situation, like making light of the recent beheadings, first remember that developmentally, younger kids may not be able to truly grasp the concept of death, much less the violent death of innocent people. That said, reinforce that violence is not something to laugh about and that it is always sad for someone to lose his life.
Tip #12: Listen for fears in their questions.
Fears may take the form of questions, like “Could that happen here?”
Instead of just saying “No,” give them a more substantial, reasoned
answer to make them feel secure. Say, “Thousands of people are working
really hard to keep us safe.” Collaboratively think up a list of who
these people are - the President, peacekeepers, diplomats, people in the
armed forces, special agents, etc. Again, the younger the child, the
less accuracy matters. What’s important is that kids leave the
conversation with a sense of safety. If your kindergartener wants to
add Ninja Turtles to the list of protectors, no problem.
Tip #13: Help them take action. Tweens and teens developing a moral view of the world may be particularly disturbed by the injustice. Take their question of “How could anyone do that?” and turn it into action to better the world. Ask if they want to donate to a relief organization, collect school supplies for Iraqi children, or send a care package to the troops. Kids 17 and older can even give blood. Help them feel empowered by taking action or taking a stand.
- See more at:
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/mental-health/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-terrorism-and-violence?page=all#sthash.0PjlkDPq.dpuf
Let’s work our way through the age groups, from pacifiers and pull-ups to acne and angst. Whether your children are nursing or shaving, your primary goal is to help them feel safe. Here's how:
How to Talk About Terrorism with Young Kids
Tip #1: Avoid letting young children see disturbing videos. As is developmentally appropriate, the line between fact and fantasy is fuzzy for young kids. In order to prevent needless fears and nightmares, keep the news channel turned off when they’re around. Likewise, put off high-emotion conversations or inflammatory radio about recent events until they’re out of earshot. You may think they’re not even paying attention, but little kids are like sponges: they absorb everything. Get your news about ISIS at work or after the little ones have gone to bed.Tip #2: If you do walk in to find your preschooler staring at disturbing footage on TV, stay calm. Simply say “Hey, let’s give the TV a rest,” turn it off, and then gently redirect: “Tell me about this drawing you were working so hard on.” Don’t lunge for the remote, cover their eyes, or snap “You shouldn’t be watching that.” If you make it dramatic, it will make more of an impression and create anxiety or guilt..
How to Talk About Terrorism with School Age Kids, Tweens, and Teens
Tip #4: With older kids, start the conversation by asking what they’ve heard. Especially for teens on social media, you can be sure they’ll hear about recent terrorist events. Use a TV or online story as a prompt, and then ask, “What are people at school saying about ISIS?” Or, if your kids bring it up, clarify what they know by asking more: “What have you heard about that?”If they say “nothing,” you don’t have to force them to talk. You’re aiming for presence, not pressure. So long as they know you’re a safe, non-judgmental person to whom to talk, conversation will come when they’re ready.
See also: How to Raise an Introverted Child
Tip #5: When you hear fears, normalize their feelings. If they’re scared, say “Lots of kids and even adults feel scared. That was scary.” Don’t say, “Don’t worry about it.” or “There’s nothing to be scared of.” Even if that’s technically true, that’s not how they feel. They’ll feel dismissed and learn you’re not someone who’s safe to talk to.
Tip #6: Look for the helpers. Take the advice of the inimitable Mr. Rogers and, in times of tragedy, “Look for the helpers.” Soothe fears by reassuring kids that military, police, or other community helpers they already know are there to protect people no matter what. Likewise, if there is news coverage about someone acting as a hero or helping the survivors, tell them the story. Leave your child with faith in humanity.
Tip #7: Highlight distance. Another way to soothe fears is to emphasize the distance between your home and terrorist events. TV brings it right into your living room, and many kids don’t know whether Syria is the next town over or another planet. Use a globe or world map to show how far away the violence is from your city.
Tip #8: Possibility versus probability. For older kids who can handle abstract semantics, you can discuss the difference between possibility and probability. Yes, violence and terrorism is possible in the world, but it’s probably not going to happen, especially not in your town. Part of the reason such violent acts make the news in the first place is because they’re so rare.
Tip #9: Remind them that most people are good. Soothe fears with reminders that even though terrorists use violence, most people don’t approve of violence as a way to solve problems. Remind them that, of all the people in the world, not many are terrorists and that, in fact, most people are caring and kind and usually find peaceful ways to solve their disagreements.
How to Fix Misinformation and Misperception
Tip #10: Gently correct misperceptions. If you find kids are conflating terrorists with a larger group, like all Muslims or all people of Middle Eastern descent, use it as a teachable moment: Take the conversation one step further to discuss prejudice or xenophobia. “Terrorists are people who use violence and make people feel scared. Almost all people who are Muslim are peaceful.”Tip #11: Gently correct inappropriate humor. For kids who misperceive the gravity of the situation, like making light of the recent beheadings, first remember that developmentally, younger kids may not be able to truly grasp the concept of death, much less the violent death of innocent people. That said, reinforce that violence is not something to laugh about and that it is always sad for someone to lose his life.
How to Answer Childrens' Questions About Terrorism
Tip #12: Listen for fears in their questions.
Fears may take the form of questions, like “Could that happen here?”
Instead of just saying “No,” give them a more substantial, reasoned
answer to make them feel secure. Say, “Thousands of people are working
really hard to keep us safe.” Collaboratively think up a list of who
these people are - the President, peacekeepers, diplomats, people in the
armed forces, special agents, etc. Again, the younger the child, the
less accuracy matters. What’s important is that kids leave the
conversation with a sense of safety. If your kindergartener wants to
add Ninja Turtles to the list of protectors, no problem.Tip #13: Help them take action. Tweens and teens developing a moral view of the world may be particularly disturbed by the injustice. Take their question of “How could anyone do that?” and turn it into action to better the world. Ask if they want to donate to a relief organization, collect school supplies for Iraqi children, or send a care package to the troops. Kids 17 and older can even give blood. Help them feel empowered by taking action or taking a stand.
Parents
would like to do everything possible to protect our kids. But we live
in a world where 9/11 and ISIS are part of everyday life. So how do we
explain terrorist acts and other violence to our children?
Let’s work our way through the age groups, from pacifiers and pull-ups to acne and angst. Whether your children are nursing or shaving, your primary goal is to help them feel safe. Here's how:
Tip #2: If you do walk in to find your preschooler staring at disturbing footage on TV, stay calm. Simply say “Hey, let’s give the TV a rest,” turn it off, and then gently redirect: “Tell me about this drawing you were working so hard on.” Don’t lunge for the remote, cover their eyes, or snap “You shouldn’t be watching that.” If you make it dramatic, it will make more of an impression and create anxiety or guilt..
Tip #3: If your young child re-enacts a tragedy, help him play it out until everyone is safe. For
example, if your young son builds a LEGO city and then crushes it,
saying it was “bombed,” say, “Time to call in the fix-it crew!” Join
him in rebuilding it and then ask how it can be made safe. Perhaps
he’ll build a wall, make a couch-cushion shield, or have a toy dinosaur
guard it. Especially for younger children, accuracy matters less than
feeling safe. Most importantly, drive home the sense of safety
non-verbally by offering hugs and cuddles for no reason at all.
If they say “nothing,” you don’t have to force them to talk. You’re aiming for presence, not pressure. So long as they know you’re a safe, non-judgmental person to whom to talk, conversation will come when they’re ready.
If
they do tell you what they’ve heard, “Noah said bad guys cut off a
guy’s head,” listen for three things: fears, misperceptions, and
questions. Here’s how to deal with each:
Tip #5: When you hear fears, normalize their feelings. If they’re scared, say “Lots of kids and even adults feel scared. That was scary.” Don’t say, “Don’t worry about it.” or “There’s nothing to be scared of.” Even if that’s technically true, that’s not how they feel. They’ll feel dismissed and learn you’re not someone who’s safe to talk to.
Tip #6: Look for the helpers. Take the advice of the inimitable Mr. Rogers and, in times of tragedy, “Look for the helpers.” Soothe fears by reassuring kids that military, police, or other community helpers they already know are there to protect people no matter what. Likewise, if there is news coverage about someone acting as a hero or helping the survivors, tell them the story. Leave your child with faith in humanity.
Tip #7: Highlight distance. Another way to soothe fears is to emphasize the distance between your home and terrorist events. TV brings it right into your living room, and many kids don’t know whether Syria is the next town over or another planet. Use a globe or world map to show how far away the violence is from your city.
Tip #8: Possibility versus probability. For older kids who can handle abstract semantics, you can discuss the difference between possibility and probability. Yes, violence and terrorism is possible in the world, but it’s probably not going to happen, especially not in your town. Part of the reason such violent acts make the news in the first place is because they’re so rare.
Tip #9: Remind them that most people are good. Soothe fears with reminders that even though terrorists use violence, most people don’t approve of violence as a way to solve problems. Remind them that, of all the people in the world, not many are terrorists and that, in fact, most people are caring and kind and usually find peaceful ways to solve their disagreements.
Tip #11: Gently correct inappropriate humor. For kids who misperceive the gravity of the situation, like making light of the recent beheadings, first remember that developmentally, younger kids may not be able to truly grasp the concept of death, much less the violent death of innocent people. That said, reinforce that violence is not something to laugh about and that it is always sad for someone to lose his life.
Tip #12: Listen for fears in their questions.
Fears may take the form of questions, like “Could that happen here?”
Instead of just saying “No,” give them a more substantial, reasoned
answer to make them feel secure. Say, “Thousands of people are working
really hard to keep us safe.” Collaboratively think up a list of who
these people are - the President, peacekeepers, diplomats, people in the
armed forces, special agents, etc. Again, the younger the child, the
less accuracy matters. What’s important is that kids leave the
conversation with a sense of safety. If your kindergartener wants to
add Ninja Turtles to the list of protectors, no problem.
Tip #13: Help them take action. Tweens and teens developing a moral view of the world may be particularly disturbed by the injustice. Take their question of “How could anyone do that?” and turn it into action to better the world. Ask if they want to donate to a relief organization, collect school supplies for Iraqi children, or send a care package to the troops. Kids 17 and older can even give blood. Help them feel empowered by taking action or taking a stand.
- See more at:
http://www.quickanddirtytips.com/health-fitness/mental-health/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-terrorism-and-violence?page=all#sthash.0PjlkDPq.dp
Let’s work our way through the age groups, from pacifiers and pull-ups to acne and angst. Whether your children are nursing or shaving, your primary goal is to help them feel safe. Here's how:
How to Talk About Terrorism with Young Kids
Tip #1: Avoid letting young children see disturbing videos. As is developmentally appropriate, the line between fact and fantasy is fuzzy for young kids. In order to prevent needless fears and nightmares, keep the news channel turned off when they’re around. Likewise, put off high-emotion conversations or inflammatory radio about recent events until they’re out of earshot. You may think they’re not even paying attention, but little kids are like sponges: they absorb everything. Get your news about ISIS at work or after the little ones have gone to bed.Tip #2: If you do walk in to find your preschooler staring at disturbing footage on TV, stay calm. Simply say “Hey, let’s give the TV a rest,” turn it off, and then gently redirect: “Tell me about this drawing you were working so hard on.” Don’t lunge for the remote, cover their eyes, or snap “You shouldn’t be watching that.” If you make it dramatic, it will make more of an impression and create anxiety or guilt..
How to Talk About Terrorism with School Age Kids, Tweens, and Teens
Tip #4: With older kids, start the conversation by asking what they’ve heard. Especially for teens on social media, you can be sure they’ll hear about recent terrorist events. Use a TV or online story as a prompt, and then ask, “What are people at school saying about ISIS?” Or, if your kids bring it up, clarify what they know by asking more: “What have you heard about that?”If they say “nothing,” you don’t have to force them to talk. You’re aiming for presence, not pressure. So long as they know you’re a safe, non-judgmental person to whom to talk, conversation will come when they’re ready.
See also: How to Raise an Introverted Child
Tip #5: When you hear fears, normalize their feelings. If they’re scared, say “Lots of kids and even adults feel scared. That was scary.” Don’t say, “Don’t worry about it.” or “There’s nothing to be scared of.” Even if that’s technically true, that’s not how they feel. They’ll feel dismissed and learn you’re not someone who’s safe to talk to.
Tip #6: Look for the helpers. Take the advice of the inimitable Mr. Rogers and, in times of tragedy, “Look for the helpers.” Soothe fears by reassuring kids that military, police, or other community helpers they already know are there to protect people no matter what. Likewise, if there is news coverage about someone acting as a hero or helping the survivors, tell them the story. Leave your child with faith in humanity.
Tip #7: Highlight distance. Another way to soothe fears is to emphasize the distance between your home and terrorist events. TV brings it right into your living room, and many kids don’t know whether Syria is the next town over or another planet. Use a globe or world map to show how far away the violence is from your city.
Tip #8: Possibility versus probability. For older kids who can handle abstract semantics, you can discuss the difference between possibility and probability. Yes, violence and terrorism is possible in the world, but it’s probably not going to happen, especially not in your town. Part of the reason such violent acts make the news in the first place is because they’re so rare.
Tip #9: Remind them that most people are good. Soothe fears with reminders that even though terrorists use violence, most people don’t approve of violence as a way to solve problems. Remind them that, of all the people in the world, not many are terrorists and that, in fact, most people are caring and kind and usually find peaceful ways to solve their disagreements.
How to Fix Misinformation and Misperception
Tip #10: Gently correct misperceptions. If you find kids are conflating terrorists with a larger group, like all Muslims or all people of Middle Eastern descent, use it as a teachable moment: Take the conversation one step further to discuss prejudice or xenophobia. “Terrorists are people who use violence and make people feel scared. Almost all people who are Muslim are peaceful.”Tip #11: Gently correct inappropriate humor. For kids who misperceive the gravity of the situation, like making light of the recent beheadings, first remember that developmentally, younger kids may not be able to truly grasp the concept of death, much less the violent death of innocent people. That said, reinforce that violence is not something to laugh about and that it is always sad for someone to lose his life.
How to Answer Childrens' Questions About Terrorism
Tip #12: Listen for fears in their questions.
Fears may take the form of questions, like “Could that happen here?”
Instead of just saying “No,” give them a more substantial, reasoned
answer to make them feel secure. Say, “Thousands of people are working
really hard to keep us safe.” Collaboratively think up a list of who
these people are - the President, peacekeepers, diplomats, people in the
armed forces, special agents, etc. Again, the younger the child, the
less accuracy matters. What’s important is that kids leave the
conversation with a sense of safety. If your kindergartener wants to
add Ninja Turtles to the list of protectors, no problem.Tip #13: Help them take action. Tweens and teens developing a moral view of the world may be particularly disturbed by the injustice. Take their question of “How could anyone do that?” and turn it into action to better the world. Ask if they want to donate to a relief organization, collect school supplies for Iraqi children, or send a care package to the troops. Kids 17 and older can even give blood. Help them feel empowered by taking action or taking a stand.
