How to Help Kids Cope with Heavy Hitting News Stories

In today's changing social and economic climates, our students and children can experience anxiety. There are hard topics coming across the news every day, and not just from television. We are bombarded by media and news on the radio, internet and even many types of cell phones.

Specifically and most recently, our students have been exposed to topics such as devastating earthquakes and tsunamis as well as nuclear meltdown fears. While these are global concerns, there are also issues more localized to our own town such as job loss and criminal acts that can affect our children's emotions. Children of every age group deal with these topics in different ways, however, all children may experience high anxiety that might not be recognized right away by parents and teachers.

In school, current events are often topics that spur discussions, activities and assignments. This is because real life gives valuable teachable moments. Parents can also take advantage with their own children in the same way to reinforce their individual family values and help their children with their emotional health.

For some students, this may help to calm any anxiety about what is happening in our world. However, it is important to be aware that others may be internalizing events. Remember that not all children will bring up topics that are bothering them. Often, the topics that are giving a child the hardest time emotionally will be the ones that they do not bring up easily. So be sure to watch for anxiety signs.

Anxiety can manifest in behaviors not typical for the child, possibly regression in developmental areas, depending on the age. It could also result in a child becoming more passive or, quite the opposite, more aggressive in nature. Some children might also show physical illness such as headache or a change in appetite or sleep patterns.

Not being a certified child psychologist myself, I turned to an episode of the Today Show for their ideas on ways to discuss these topics with your child, regardless of age range.

The most important tip is to always be age-appropriate. If you are dealing with younger children, speak in their vocabulary. It is okay to use basic emotion words, like sad, in order to help them understand the basics of what they might be seeing in the emotions of the television.

For older children and teens, it is important to remember that if you do not have the answer to a specific question, it is okay to admit that and help your child find the right resource to get their answer.

In essence, keep details explained in the most simple way that is applicable to the age group you are dealing with. Also, be sure to keep a calm tone and attitude when discussing events.

Parenting Pointers

• Be choosy about what your kids view. It is okay to be picky about what your children watch on television based on what you feel is appropriate.
• Always be reassuring of their safety. It is not necessary to try to rid them of fears, only to give them an outlet to discuss and be reassured.
• Share stories of hope and compassion that come out of these terrible events.
• Empower your child with ways to help: write letters, make a donation, or create a care package.

These types of world events are ongoing and it is important to help children while they are still young learn how to process these events and make sense of them in respect to their own life. It can also instills values such as gratitude, charity and family. Being supportive of our children and students during these emotional times can help them to find optimism in their own life.  

Parent's Homework

Take your families “emotional pulse” to assess for worries or anxiety. Find ways to help your family relieve tension and relax. Some ideas that you and your family can do together are meals, walks, a local attraction or even just a game or humorous video night.

Check out the whole article or clip from the Today Show.