Category: Grief and Loss

Talking With Children About Tragedies

“Although the world is full of suffering, it is full also of overcoming of it”- Helen Keller

It is hard to make sense of tragedies even for adults, so to attempt to explain it to a child, can be overwhelming. Knowing and understanding your limitations when discussing difficult topics is important. It can be challenging to meet your child’s emotional needs when you are struggling yourself. Allowing the time to process the discomfort may make it easier to talk with your children about it.

The links attached below are informative tips and insights on how you can talk to your kids about tragedies.

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Talking-To-Children-About-Tragedies-and-Other-News-Events.aspx

http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content/SMA11-DISASTER/SMA11-DISASTER-09.pdf

http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/appendix_tips_for_parents_with_schoolage_children.pdf

http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/appendix_tips_for_parents_with_preschool_children.pdf