Current World Events- How do I help my child cope?
The carefree, warm days of summer this July have been sadly interrupted by numerous and upsetting world events. Most of us are tuned in to CNN or other news programs more often than usual to keep abreast of the tragedy of war in the Middle East as well as planes being shot out of the sky over the Ukraine.
Of real concern for all of us is how our kids are being affected. Intense media coverage that accompanies terrorism, war and disasters is disturbing for everyone, including our children. Many children, no matter how old they are, become very distressed, anxious and frightened by watching TV coverage of terrible events.
A psychologist from the Hospital for Sick Children, Toronto, noted that parents and educators, as well as anyone else who works with kids of all ages, can help lessen anxieties from media coverage if they:
- monitor media exposure- including TV, internet and radio
- mediate and teach about media images and messages
- monitor the impact on media
Even young children can hear and see more than we are aware- do not leave the news on as "background noise". Some children/adolescents are more sensitive and can dwell on frightening images. Talk to your child all the time, asking how they are feeling and what they are thinking.
Help your child feel safe. Explain to older children, what organizations and government initiatives are being put into place to help children and families during terrible situations. Show them on a map, where these tragic events are happening so they don't worry that these events are in their own backyard.
Be aware of how the current world events are impacting you and other adults in your child's life. All children, no matter what their age, take their lead from their parents. If there is a lot of tension and fear, they will in turn share those feelings.
Help older children analyze media coverage. Make sure to watch media coverage with your older child to help them better understand media bias, the impact of images and expose them to a variety of media coverage to develop this understanding.
Finally, talk to your child about the goal of peaceful solutions and how we all struggle to take another person's perspective. Teach them how you practice conflict resolution in your own life.
If you would like more resources, speak to your family doctor, pediatrician and teachers for advice. Most schools have a social worker who is there to help support children, adolescents and parents. Your local library will also have a collection of books on the topic of how to talk to your kids about challenging world events. Let us all hope for more peaceful days ahead.