Children are exposed to violent events by seeing them in the news or by hearing about them from friends, and they’re likely to have fears and questions. Studies show that children can suffer long-term emotional damage from exposure to violence in news coverage.
Bob Hilt, MD, child and adolescent psychiatrist at Seattle Children’s Hospital, says parents should be prepared to help their children deal with traumatic events, such as natural disasters and acts of violence.
How to help your kids cope with violence
In the video above, Hilt suggests parents follow these tips to help their kids process traumatic events:
- Control what kids are seeing and hearing. Limit the amount and type of news coverage your child is exposed to. If the TV is on, make sure you watch it with your kids so you can answer any questions they might have about what they’re seeing. Younger kids don’t have the ability to contextualize traumatic events. A child might personalize an event and worry that it might happen to their family. While teens are better able to emotionally process violence and disasters, they might still have questions. Make sure to check in with your older children as well.
- Be open and honest. Kids are perceptive, and even young kids will be aware that something bad has happened. When they ask questions, check with them first to see what they know or think has happened. Keep answers simple, and avoid providing more information than needed.
- Expect delayed reactions. While some kids will have questions right away, others may react days or weeks later. Encourage your child to ask questions whenever they have them, and check in to see if they are struggling to cope.
- Offer different ways to express feelings. A child’s fears or anxieties may show up in the form of temper tantrums, nightmares, sudden shyness, or a regression to behaviors they’ve outgrown, such as thumb sucking or sleeping with a stuffed animal. Provide different outlets for your child to share their feelings, such as coloring, drawing or writing them down.
- Keep up your routines. Regular schedules and routines help a child feel safe and secure. As much as possible, stick to your normal routines during stressful times.
- Reassure your child. Let your kids know that they are safe and will not be left alone.
- Monitor your own feelings. Kids will pick up on their parents’ anxieties. Make sure you have a plan to manage your own feelings and seek help if you need it.
More resources for parents
- Disasters and Scary Events: Helping Children Cope
