In times of crisis and uncertainty, children often look to adults for guidance and reassurance. Whether discussing a traumatic event that is local (such as a death in the community), regional (such as a natural disaster), or global (such as a school shooting in the news), it is essential for parents and educators to approach these conversations with sensitivity, honesty, and age-appropriate language. Below, we provide resources and advice to help you navigate these discussions effectively while supporting children’s emotional well-being.
Children may react to trauma in various ways, including fear, anxiety, sadness, or confusion. Adults play a crucial role in helping children feel safe and supported, including by:
For further guidance on these strategies, explore the following resources:
Children process traumatic events differently based on their age. The following resources offer tailored strategies for various age groups:
You can also use these Morning Meeting and Responsive Advisory Meeting plans to create developmentally appropriate opportunities for students to share how they are feeling:
For many children, the most helpful thing educators and parents can do in challenging times is to maintain (or restore) a sense of normalcy. To achieve this, educators, parents, and other caregivers can:
This booklet from the Department of Education includes advice for teachers, students, administrators, counselors, parents, and coaches in schools that have been directly affected by natural disasters and other traumatic events.
We hope the resources above help you hold open, compassionate, age-appropriate conversations that validate children’s emotions and make them feel safe, heard, and supported during challenging times. Together, we can create supportive learning environments where children can grow and thrive, even in the face of adversity.