Life Kit

When The News Is Scary, What To Say To Kids

Apr 29, 2019
Rosemarie Truglio, Senior Vice President of Education and Research at Sesame Workshop, shares vital insights for parents navigating tough news conversations with their kids. She emphasizes limiting exposure to breaking news and finding quiet moments to discuss feelings. Truglio advises providing context to help children understand that scary events are rare, avoiding labels, and promoting creative expression as a processing tool. Together, she encourages parents and kids to take positive action, fostering resilience and hope in challenging times.
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ANECDOTE

Childhood News Misinterpretations

  • Allison Alcuin, growing up during the Vietnam War, misconstrued "guerrilla warfare" as involving apes.
  • She developed a hiding plan in her closet, highlighting children's imaginative interpretations of news.
ADVICE

Limit News Exposure

  • Limit children's exposure to breaking news, especially on screens.
  • Avoid having news playing constantly in the background.
ADVICE

Start with Questions

  • Engage children in conversations about news they've encountered.
  • Start by asking what they already know to address potential misconceptions.
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