For many parents, the unimaginable occurred in Manchester, England, when a suicide bomber targeted an Ariana Grande concert, resulting in 22 fatalities and 119 injuries. Most attendees were young, including the youngest victim, who was only 8 years old. Just as we began to cope with this tragedy, another attack struck London Bridge on June 3.
Terrorism is an act of cowardice, especially when it targets children. The recent attacks have been sensationalized in the media, bombarding us with horrifying details and visuals. What makes the Manchester bombing particularly striking is that it affected a generation of tweens and teens who idolize Ariana Grande and are actively engaged with news through social media. According to a report by Influence Central, half of kids have social media accounts by age 12.
As we grapple with our shock and sorrow, it’s important to recognize that our children are also processing fear and confusion. Discovering that peers their age were harmed at a concert can be deeply unsettling. With information flooding their social media feeds, they may experience a swirl of emotions. For my own tween, the news was perplexing; she questioned its authenticity, which made discussing the reality of the situation tough, especially when we had promised to take her to a concert this summer as a special gift.
How to Support Our Kids During Distressing Times
So, how can we effectively support our kids during such distressing times? Dr. Lily Anderson, a child psychologist at City Hospital, offers these tips for parents navigating conversations about tragic events:
- Reassure Your Kids About Their Safety
Let your children know that you and other responsible adults are committed to keeping them safe. - Listen More Than You Speak
Instead of overwhelming them with details, ask what they’ve heard and encourage them to express their feelings about it. Guide the conversation away from graphic content and towards their emotional responses. - Share Your Emotions
Depending on their ages, you can open up about your own feelings of fear or sadness. Children can often sense when adults are holding back, and it’s important for them to see that it’s normal to feel deeply about such events. - Maintain a Stable Routine
Children find comfort in routine, particularly during chaotic times. Keeping daily activities consistent can help them feel secure. For instance, don’t cancel regular trips out of fear; reassure them that it’s okay to live their lives as normal. - Model Healthy Coping Skills
Kids look to us as role models. It’s beneficial to share your own worries while also demonstrating resilience. Talk about how life can be scary, but we can face challenges together. Always tailor the discussion to what your child can handle emotionally.
In my conversations with my tween about the Manchester attack, I made sure to highlight acts of compassion that emerged amidst the chaos. Stories of strangers offering free rides to those fleeing the scene or a homeless individual rushing to help an injured girl remind us that even in the darkest moments, kindness prevails. It’s crucial for our kids to recognize that there’s always light to be found, and they too can be a beacon of hope.
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In summary, while discussing tragic events with our children is challenging, using these strategies can help them navigate their emotions and understand the world around them. Remember to approach these conversations with care and empathy.
Keyphrase: Talking to Kids About Terrorism
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