DEAR IDA: I was a young adult in 1981 when I watched the attempted assassination of President Ronald Reagan, and I never imagined I’d one day have to explain a similar moment to my own daughter. My daughter has now seen three different attempts on President Donald Trump. Now she is frightened and asking hard questions I’m not sure how to answer. How do I comfort my child, explain what happened in a way she can understand, and reassure her that she is safe without making the world seem even scarier? – A Worried Mother
DEAR WORRIED: Sometimes, the best advice I can offer a person is where to find good resources. As I’m not a licensed therapist or psychologist, I prefer to leave this kind of advice to the professionals.
How you help your child depends on how old they are. Having a conversation about gun violence and political discord with a teenager will look very different than one with a small child. Another challenge to having a meaningful conversation with your child about political violence is keeping your own political views out of the conversation. I found a very good article from Konick and Associates that gives a broad overview of things to consider before talking with your child about politics in general. The National Association of School Psychologists also has a guide for supporting students in politically charged times.
Knowing the statistics around gun violence can help you prepare for any questions that might come up during your conversation. The Johns Hopkins University Center for Gun Violence Solutions website has lots of information on the subject. If your child asks questions that you don’t know the answer to, let them know and assure them that you will find it for them. Spend time with your child conducting research together. Help them discern between websites that provide reliable information and those that push propaganda. If you feel like your child is fixated on the issue and is spending too much time watching the news or reading about violence online, the website Children and Screens offers 12 Tips to Help Children Process Graphic News and Violence Online.
You can help your child feel empowered and teach them life skills about safety by enrolling them in a self-defense class. If you don’t have a school nearby that teaches self-defense, you can find classes online that the two of you can do together.
Finally, if you feel that your child’s anxiety levels are not changing, seek professional help.
You must be logged in to post a comment.