Unfortunately we live in a world where each day there are acts of terror and violence where men, women and children are killed.
In today’s media-saturated society, many of our children are more aware of some of this violence. It is important for us to talk with our children about this violence in a way that is age appropriate and in a way that doesn’t cause them to fear. Home should be a safe place for our kids to talk about their fears and concerns, and so here are some helpful tips as you help your children with this:
- Find out what your kids know, what they have heard
- Listen to them and encourage them to express their feelings
- Don't shy away from talking about this at home at an age-appropriate level
- Reassure them and keep things in context (eg. tiny minority of people who think this way)
- Monitor your children's exposure to media, especially images and video
- Focus on the things that we can control to feel safe
- Lots of cuddles and reassurance of love
- Pray with your kids and encourage them to pray too
There are some great resources out there, and here are a few:
- Focus on the Family - [Helping kids process news reports of violence](https://www.families.org.au/article/helping-kids-process-news-reports-violence)
- Strandz NZ - [Kia Kaha (meaning 'Stay Strong')](https://www.strandz.org.nz/kia-kaha.html)
- SBS / The Conversation - [How to talk to children about terrorism in the light of Christchurch](https://www.sbs.com.au/news/how-to-talk-to-your-children-about-terrorism-in-the-wake-of-christchurch)
- Parents.com - [How to Talk to Kids About Terrorism](http://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-terrorism/)
- Faith in the News - [5 tips for talking about terrorism to children](https://faithinthenews.com/5-tips-for-talking-about-terrorism-to-children/)
- Psychology Today - [How to talk to kids about terrorism (it’s a tough conversation to have with kids but it’s important to have it)](https://www.psychologytoday.com/au/blog/what-mentally-strong-people-dont-do/201711/how-talk-kids-about-terrorism)
- The Parenting Place - [How to talk to your kids about trauma](https://www.theparentingplace.com/how-to-talk-about/world-trauma/)
- Australian Pyschological Society - [Guidelines for talking with children about terrorism](https://www.psychology.org.au/psychology-topics/talking-to-children-about-terrorism/#s2)
- Christian Today - [How should Christians talk to children about terrorism after Manchester?](https://www.christiantoday.com/article/how-should-christians-talk-to-children-about-terrorism-after-manchester/109536.htm)