How to explain tragedies to children

With information easily accessed at anyone’s fingertips, it doesn’t take long for a child to get wind of a major tragedy such as the massive Sunday morning shooting in Orlando. This is why it’s important for parents to talk to their kids before they’re exposed to outside information.

The American Academy of Pediatricians says if kids are under five-years-old; don’t mention the incident unless it affects them directly.

However, for children above that age, local psychologist Dr. Leslie Donnelly says parents need to process their emotional reaction to a major event before speaking to their child. Children take their emotional cues from their parents.

Dr. Donnelly continues, “Children, their typical first reaction is, ‘Am I safe? Am I safe?’ So reassuring them that you are doing everything you possibly can in your power to keep them safe. Listen to them and answer their questions directly without a lot of detail.”

Dr. Donnelly also recommends talking to your child about positives. For example, in this instance with the Orlando shooting, she says a parent could mention the good work of police officers or other citizens who helped the victims.