How to Approach the Tough Questions Kids Have About Recent Events
Violent attacks are becoming more frequent and hiding it from our children has become impossible with them having access to the internet and TV. We need to educate them in hopes to lessen their fears and raise good boys and girls who one day might change the world. It's a hard thing to do, but here are some tips that might help you do so:
Honesty is the best policy
Always tell them the truth! Don't sugar coat it, but make sure your explanations are age appropriate while balancing the amount of information you give them about the issue. It's a tough job to talk about this with your little ones, especially while trying not to frighten them.
Small children need simple, "to the point" explanations, but older ones are likely to want more information. Always give an answer to their questions, while watching the tone of the details you give them.
Try to be their main source of information
It's best for you to be the one to start off this type of conversations, otherwise, you run the risk of them being misinformed by social media, news outlets or ill-mannered comments from other people. They trust that what you say is the absolute truth, so bring up the topic in a delicate way to make sure they don't get scared by hearsay.
Focus on the good lessons
The most important thing is to make sure your children feel safe and that they take away a lesson from this issue. Try to make your overall message a positive one, teaching them the value of heroism, respect for others, kindness, unity, forgiveness, etc.
Kids can pick up on your anxiety and worries, so when approaching them try to be as calm as possible. This is easier said than done, but children look to us to determine how they should feel about something. Your facial expressions and actions must be in accordance with the positive angle you are trying to lead the conversation too.
At the end of the day, the most important thing is to teach them what you can, make them know you are there for them and always let them know you love them!