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Every day there are stories in the news that are frightening or upsetting to both adults and children. The 24/7 news cycle, with constant repetition of these stories, can magnify the emotional impact on people of all ages. But talking with children about disturbing events can be done in a way that protects their emotional health and helps them make sense of troubling events.
Dr. Abi Gewirtz, clinical psychologist and professor in the University of Minnesota’s Institute of Child Development and Department of Family Social Science, joins Marti & Erin for a compelling and practical discussion of how to figure out what your child knows and feels about disturbing events, reinforce your child’s sense of security, buffer their anxiety and, for older children, talk about the complex issues raised by these events.
Think of recent events in the news that are likely to be upsetting or confusing to your children. What do you think your children know or feel about these events? What did you hear in this Mom Enough discussion of talking with children about disturbing events that could help you ease your children’s fears or help them make sense of troubling events in a developmentally appropriate way?
For the U of M’s College of Education and Human Development, click here.
