August 1, 2025 — By Wendy Sachs
Let’s face it—sometimes the world can feel a little overwhelming, even for adults. So when something difficult is happening and it’s all over the news, it’s natural to wonder: Should I talk to my child about this? How much should I say?
The answer is: yes, it’s okay to talk about it. In fact, it can be incredibly reassuring for your child to hear it from you in a safe, calm, and honest way. Here’s how to navigate those tricky conversations with care.
Start With What They Know
Begin by simply asking, “Have you heard anything about ___?” This gives you a sense of what they’ve picked up—whether it’s from friends, school, or just overhearing adult conversations. From there, you can gently correct any misinformation and shape the conversation based on their age and emotional readiness.
Younger kids usually need simpler explanations with fewer details, while older children may want (and can handle) more context.
Honesty Matters—But Keep It Age-Appropriate
Kids are perceptive. They often sense when something isn’t quite right, and being vague can actually make them feel more anxious. That said, it’s important to share only what they need to know, in language they can understand.
Try to stick to the facts without being overly dramatic. If the news is upsetting, let them know it’s okay to feel scared, sad, or even confused. Just acknowledging their emotions can bring a huge sense of relief.
Reassure and Offer Comfort
One of the most powerful things you can do? Reassure them that they are safe. Talk about the helpers—the people working hard to fix the situation or take care of others. Let them know that you’re there for them, you’re listening, and you’ll do everything you can to keep them safe.
And if the news is especially upsetting, it’s a good idea to limit their exposure. Younger children may not understand that news footage is repeated or taken out of context, which can make things feel even scarier than they are.
Keep the Conversation Going
Creating an open, safe space for your child to ask questions is key. Let them know they can always come to you, no matter how big or small their feelings might be. Even if they’re struggling to put their emotions into words, your patience and presence make all the difference.
Sometimes, just sitting with them and saying, “I’m here,” is more powerful than any explanation.
Shift the Focus to Hope and Action
One beautiful way to help kids cope is to talk about the good: people helping people, communities coming together, and positive changes being made.
If your child feels helpless, suggest a small gesture of kindness—drawing a picture, writing a letter, or simply sending good thoughts. These acts of care, no matter how small, can help them feel more in control and connected.
A Few Final Thoughts
As you support your child, be gentle with yourself, too. Kids often mirror the emotions of the adults around them, so taking care of your own emotional well-being is part of taking care of them. Watch your conversations where they can overhear you speaking.
And remember—it’s okay not to have all the answers. You can say, “That’s a great question. I’m not sure, but let’s find out together.”
Keep the door open, keep the conversation honest, and keep showing up. Your love and support are exactly what they need most.