When the News is Horrifying
🌟Weekly Inspiration🌟
It is a challenging time to be human 💔 and it is a challenging time to parent.
Many of our youth are coming into the office and talking about the images that they’ve seen online in their news feeds, on Instagram, and TikTok. It is truly upsetting content.
Our local school district sent this out last week and I thought it was well done, so sharing part of it here now:
As is the case with other conflicts and violent incidents locally and around the world, it is likely that our children have access to unprecedented levels of information and potential misinformation. In addition, graphic images and footage of violent conflicts are not easy to process, especially for children and youth. It's even more difficult for those who have experienced trauma or witnessed violence themselves.
Parents, caregivers, and educators are faced with the challenge of explaining violence and war to our children. Although difficult, these conversations are extremely important. In light of what is happening around the world, here are some helpful tips on how to talk to your children about war and conflict:
Find out what your children know and how they feel: The news can be terrifying. Try to shield them from disturbing images or videos.
Keep it calm and age-appropriate: Children have a right to know what’s going on in the world, but adults are also responsible for protecting them from distress. Try not to overshare any fears with your children.
Spread compassion, not stigma - this can be challenging when talking about war. Focus on messaging that everyone deserves to be safe at school and in society. Bullying and discrimination are always wrong.
There are adults at school for your children to talk to. MBUSD partners with local agencies to provide short-term, one-to-one mental health support for our children in need. Please reach out to your children's teacher, counselor, vice principal, or principal, who can help to connect your children with these resources.
Below are some additional resources for parents:
Common Sense Media: How do I talk to my kids about violence in the news
Child Mind Institute: Helping children cope after a traumatic event
Verywell Family: Talking to Your Kids About War
We are all impacted by what is going on in the Middle East. Please take care of yourself and your family and be protective of what kids are exposed to. Sending all our love and prayers to families that are deeply affected ❤️.
Ask Yourself:
What happens inside my body as I process the violence in Israel?
What do I notice about myself in response to this news? Avoidance? Fear? Anger?
What do I model for my children in regard to how I digest news? What conversations might I be having with my partner, friends, and children around news events?
How do I address anti-Semitism in our family discussions? How do we discuss broader issues of racism, discrimination, and hate crimes? If we don’t ever discuss, why not?
How do I find light in a dark time?
Any shifts that I would like to make?