When terrible events happen, such as the attacks on Paris, our immediate instinct as parents is to shield our children from them. Although this is a perfectly natural reaction, especially when we may be having difficulty wrapping our own heads around the events, experts say that it may not always be the best approach.
“Don’t delay telling your children,” says Harold Koplewicz, President of the Child Mind Institute. “It’s very likely that your child will hear about what happened, and it’s best that it comes from you so that you are able to answer any questions, convey the facts, and set the emotional tone.”
Figuring out what your child has learned through other people and television, then answering any questions they have in terms they can understand is usually the best approach. “By initiating this dialogue, and allowing and encouraging your children to express their feelings, you can help them build healthy coping skills that will serve them well in the future,” says Koplewicz.
When you're explaining a tragic event, and answering your child's questions, it’s important to try to stay calm as you talk through the events. Children readily pick up cues from their parents; so, if you act anxious they will be anxious.
Trust your instincts, too. Kids vary in levels of anxiety, and vulnerability. You are the expert on your child, and know what he or she can handle better than anyone.
Here’s an age by age guide to keeping the discussion developmentally appropriate.
For pre-school kids: This is the only age which experts recommend trying to avoid the subject a little. Children younger than five tend to confuse facts with fears according to Koplewicz; so limiting access to news and watching what you say is advisable. Answer questions, but do so carefully. Remember, you don’t have to give them more details than they ask for.
For elementary school aged kids, most psychologists suggest letting the young ones lead the way. “If the kids are aware of what happened, a parent’s discussion should be focused on the child’s well-being,” says psychologist Paul Coleman, author of Finding Peace When Your Heart Is in Pieces. “The details of who, what, when, and why should guide the discussion to the child’s deeper (perhaps unstated) concerns.”
You do not need to delve into details like the gory methods used in an attack, exact number of people who died, or that the attacks were co-ordinated. Also, try not to be overly dramatic, use frightening words, or make your child feel that an attack in your neighborhood in iminent. “If you are very upset and they notice, reassure them you will be fine but you are just sad at the news,” says Coleman.
Of course you shouldn't avoid or disregard your kids’ questions either. Older children (aged 6 to 11) are comforted by facts. “For kids this age, knowledge can be empowering. and helps relieve anxiety,” says Koplewicz.
Try not to dismiss their fears as foolish, although therapists say it’s fine to point out that events like these are rare and unlikely to happen to the kids. Their fears are natural. Children at this age are egocentric and believe that any bad thing that happens anywhere is heading their way.
“Then, let your children know that they are safe and loved,” advises Coleman. It's a good idea to gently point out, with some degree of honesty, that such attacks are very rare, that the bad guys have been caught, and the chances of such an attack happening to them are quite slim.
For middle school aged kids: Don’t assume that you know how your middle school aged kids feel. Ask them if they’ve heard about the attacks and what they think. Psychologists suggest that being able to answer all their questions is not as key as just being around to help them absorb the news somewhere they feel safe. Students at this age can handle the fact that we don't know the answers to everything.
“Answer their questions simply,” says Coleman, “and reassure them that they are safe and that adults are working hard to prevent things like this from happening again.” Kids at this age see things in terms of good and bad. Middle schoolers might be interested in more of the details; however experts still advise parents keep those to a minimum.
Don’t panic if your middle school child seems blasé or indifferent about the attacks. Keep in mind that all kids process scary information differently. “Children react to disturbing events in different ways,” says Koplewicz. “Some might want to spend extra time with friends and relatives; some might want to spend more time alone. It’s important to let your child know that it is normal to express things in different ways—for example, a person may feel sad but not cry.”
Encourage your middle schooler to talk and express any fears, especially if they have been involved in any other scary or violent incidents recently. If appropriate, you might like to review any safety plans for home that you have with them, including if your home has fire escapes or if you have a gathering place in case of emergency.
For high school kids, who are probably reading a lot about the events on social media, and hearing about it from their friends, it might be worth explaining what we know and what we don’t in more detail. These are complex issues that are not likely to be solved soon; so adolescents may as well be thinking about issues they will be facing in the years to come.
“It’s very typical for teens to say they don’t want to talk,” says Koplewicz. “Try to start a conversation while you are doing an activity together, so that the conversation does not feel too intense or confrontational.”
While it’s great to radiate a sense of calmness, experts agree that it’s also helpful to share your own feelings on the issue with your adolescent children. You will likely find that in sharing your own feelings, it will be easier to keep the discussion going. “Reassurances that they won’t ever get hurt or lose someone in a terrorist attack will not be believed,” says Coleman. “Speak to them in terms of probabilities.”
And by all means talk to them about what to do in the case of an emergency, where they should go if they can’t get home or who they should call if they can’t reach you.
Finally, when the time comes, therapists say this is a good opportunity to talk to high school kids about violence, and its effects and other ways to solve problems or have your voice heard.
If kids are still afraid after your reassurances, Coleman has a handy acronym of things to do: SAFE
S: Search for hidden questions or fears. Ask what else is on their mind about what happened, what their friends say about it and what their biggest worry is right now. “The goal is to not assume your child is okay because it would make you—the parent—more at ease to believe that is so,” he says. “Some children may not speak up about their fears or may be unable to articulate them without a parent’s willingness to ask questions.”
A: Act. Keep routines going—homework, bedtime rituals and so on— because they’re reassuring and distracting. “It is a good time to have them do kind things for others,” says Coleman. Little things like helping an elderly neighbor, or opening a door for a stranger reminds them that there are kindnesses in this world. This reduces the sense of helplessness.
F: Feel feelings. “Let them know their feelings make sense,” says Coleman. “Saying ‘There is nothing to worry about,’ teaches them that you may not be the person to speak to about their fears.” Let them talk it out and show that you understand.
E: Ease Minds. After you’re sure they’ve talked through their fears, you can assure them of their safety. “Reassure them that there are good people trying to help others and prevent future attacks,” says Coleman.
The one thing most experts agree on about what your child needs is your time. “The best thing you can do as a parent is be available,” says Koplewicz. “Just spending time with him and reassuring him that an event like this is unusual can make a huge difference.”
Kristine Kilgour, M.Ed., LPSC
School Counselor & Mediator
rfhscounselor@gmail.com
