Mom and Dad; Are we safe?
Talking to your children about scary things presented in the news
A Blog posted by Dr. Robyn Silverman.... I thought
was worth sharing.
As we now all know, there was a tragic bombing at the Boston Marathon the other
day resulted in at least 176 people injured. Nine of them are children—at least
8 of whom are being treated in hospitals. One child, 8-year-old Martin Richard,
was killed during the Boston Marathon explosion while enjoying ice cream with
his family. His 6 year old sister lost her leg and their mother underwent brain
surgery due to her critical injuries.
There are many other stories of families affected and many of us have been
touched either directly or indirectly by this senseless act. One of my good friends
just reported that her son’s friend may lose his hearing because pellets were
sprayed from the bomb and got lodged in his head. He was there to cheer his dad
on who was running the marathon. The juxtaposition of happy joyous cheering,
eating ice cream and enjoying a special outing with the family with the horror
of a senseless bombing is hard to fathom. It’s even harder to explain.
As we talked about during the Newtown Connecticut
shootings and other stories of senseless child murder, these are unimaginable
acts that are likely to bring about questions. Some are easy to answer. Others
feel nearly impossible. Still, we can’t put our heads in the sand, as we want
our children to hear the truth in an age-appropriate way from someone who knows
them best—and that likely means you. Remember, if you aren’t talking about it
and they want to hear an answer, they will go to another source. It is our job
to be the source.
So how do you talk to your children about ugly, scary things that are talked
about in the media? What can we do?
(1)
Media exposure should be limited: Information is best
coming from a trusted source who is sensitive to the way your child can best
receive it—at a time when is best for your child. You can limit details based
on age and maturity—and seeing gruesome photos and frightening video is
inappropriate for most children. Information on the news is aimed at adults—not
at children.
(2)
Let them know that responsible adults are working to keep us
safe and healthy: When situations seem unsure, children need to know
that
the grown-ups are helping those in need.
Authorities are working to keep people safe. Medical staff, like doctors and
nurses, are helping those who have been hurt. And be sure to let them know that
this incident is rare and in no way means that it will happen again in the same
or a different location.
(3)
Stay calm and keep your emotions on an even keel: It is
normal and natural to feel frustrated, sad and angry when senseless acts occur.
As a parent, teacher or child mentor, being “there” for young people sometimes
means keeping our emotions in check so that we don’t overwhelm or alarm our
children. While you certainly don’t need to be stoic or aloof—and you can talk
about feeling sad when things like this happen—the full gravity of your
feelings should be reserved for other trusted adults in your life.
(4) Expect questions to come over time: Children aren’t
always ready to talk when you are. That means that it’s normal for children to
have questions about sensitive topics over time. It may go on for weeks—a
question here and a question there—never lasting more than a minute or two.
Other times you may have a few longer conversations. Children process tough
topics in different ways. It’s OK if you don’t know the answer—sometimes it’s
more important to simply listen. Other times, you may need to tell them you can
find out the answer for them at a later time. You are a source of comfort and
information—but you don’t need to be Wikipedia.
(5) Remain open to talking about fears and concerns: Don’t
be surprised if fears and concerns seem illogical, disconnected and come at
unusual times. You might be driving your child to an after-school program on a
beautiful sunny day when your child pops a question about something horrific that
happened days or even weeks before. Your child may develop a temporary fear of
the dark, loud noises, people in uniform or otherwise while trying to regain
their footing. Ask them; “is there something I can do to help you feel safer or
more secure?” or “Would you like advice or would you prefer that I just
listen?” Be patient and open to talking, reassuring and even just “there”
during these tough times.
(6)
Know that unusual behavior or feelings may arise:
Sometimes frightening and unexpected news can make children act in different
ways. Some may become clingy or hyper while others may become withdrawn and
quiet. Some may sleep more while others may sleep less. Still others may eat
more while others may report that they aren’t hungry. Ask them if it would be
helpful for them to talk out their feelings. Assure your child that their
feelings are OK and give them space to feel anyway that they do—validating
their emotions as normal and natural.
(7)
Don’t stop living: Sometimes you may want to just
construct a bubble for your family to live in just to keep potential dangers
out. I get that. I’m a parent too. But living in fear is no way to live.
Instead, enjoy everyday. Love deeper. Hug longer. Tell your children how
grateful you are for their safety, their health and their presence in your
life. Teach your children to do the same.
And don’t forget to tell your children
about the good in the world. There are good people. Very good people. As Mr.
Rogers’ said; “look for the helpers.
”
People who look out for others. People who put themselves out in order to take
others in.
Instead of blocking out the world, let us teach our children to become the kind
of people that make this world a better place. Children thrive when they feel that
they can contribute to their family, their community, their country and beyond.
Encourage them to do that. By doing so, you will teach them that there is a lot
more good in this world than there is evil. And, yes, they are a big part of
that good.
In other words, they don’t just need to look for the helpers, they can
become them.
Roger Boggs
- Owner
Goshin Karate and Judo Academy
6245 E. Bell Road #120
Scottsdale, AZ. 85254
480-951-2236
---Women's Self Defense Class
Providing AWARD WINNING Instruction/Lessons in Martial Arts, Self Defense, Judo, Jujitsu, MMA and Karate, for Kids, Teens and Adults in the Cave Creek, Phoenix, Scottsdale and the entire north valley of Arizona since 1991.
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