7 tips to help your child cope with witnessing tragedy
When children witness tragedies, from acts of violence to the sudden loss of a loved one, to images of a war zone like Ukraine, they often turn to their families for support and reassurance. We asked UC Davis child psychologist Brandi Hawk for her advice on how parents and families can help children through these dark times and how to provide a safe space for them to work through their emotions.
Here are Hawk’s 7 tips:
- Be honest and open. Let the child lead the discussion and be available for their questions and conversations. Answer questions factually and honestly, providing age-appropriate information. “Ask them if there is anything they want to talk about,” Hawk said. “Don’t overwhelm them with information or force them to talk if they don’t want to.”
- Be a role model and show kids how you cope. Parents should talk about their own feelings and how they take care of themselves when they are feeling sad. Show children healthy ways of coping with tragedy. Practice self-care. Offer play, art, and music as opportunities for your child to express their feelings safely.
Click here to read the additional tips!