Ways parents should comfort their kids after a tragedy

In an ever-dangerous world reported on by round-the-clock media, the emotional effects of major tragic events transcend local boundaries. They trouble the national psyche, bringing sadness, anger, fear and anxiety throughout the country, and they can make a particularly heavy impact on children and teens.

All parents want to protect their children from pain, including emotional pain.

These crimes frighten and confuse all of us, regardless of age and whether or not the latest one happened near where we live. We want our kids to know that we’re right there with them, and that we’ll help them get through the mess of feelings they must be having.

Here are four tips to help parents comfort their kids in the wake of national tragedies:

1. Listen. Children need a sounding board for their questions. It would be great if there were magic words to take away their upset feelings, but there are none. There is a certain degree of magic, however, in just listening and reassuring our child that their feelings of shock, fear and anger are normal. And when they ask questions about why people do such terrible things, we can let them know that we wrestle with the very same questions.
2. Be real, be calm. Sometimes the best reassurance is two-fold: Acknowledging that there is danger in the world and, also, reminding our child that their school and neighborhood do everything possible to keep everyone safe. Our calm demeanor, honesty and reassurance demonstrate courage, put the news in perspective, and help our kids manage their fears.
3. Limit exposure to graphic details and images. Exposure to the constant news stream or repetitive, graphic images can be damaging. This is an event they’ll long remember. Over-exposure to the news unnecessarily heightens their fears and anxieties. It reinforces the traumatic impact.
4. Observe them closely.  Engaged parents pay attention to their child’s emotional health and seek assistance if needed, just as they would for any other health concern. They recognize when their child feels emotional distress. Parents should watch for any dramatic changes in behavior or a dip in school performance.

Our kids are always watching us. Everything we do teaches them something about how to live. In times of national tragedy, we can reinforce their safety and teach them not to live in fear.

Ken Dolan-Del Vecchio is an author, speaker, family therapist, and leadership and life skills consultant. His books include Simple Habits of Exceptional (But Not Perfect) Parents, The Pet Loss Companion: Healing Advice from Family Therapists Who Lead Pet Loss Groups, and Making Love, Playing Power: Men, Women, and the Rewards of Intimate Justice. Ken founded GreenGate Leadership after retiring from his role as Vice President, Health and Wellness, at Prudential.