In our current political and economic climate, many adults have been tense, and children may be experiencing feelings of fear and worry. Even at a young age, children may have questions about their observations. Here are some ways to help address your child’s current event concerns.
Age 3-5
Observe their behaviors and emotions as they play. Children this young may not yet have the vocabulary to share their thoughts and feelings, however they exhibit emotions through play. Stressful life events, family conflicts, or significant changes in routine can contribute to depression in young children. Often, young children may express their sadness through physical complaints rather than verbalizing their emotions directly. Watch for signs of depression, including:
- Appearing sad or unhappy most of the time
- Loss of interest in favorite activities
- Low energy
- Social withdrawal
- Increased irritability
- Changes in sleep patterns
- Complaining about physical symptoms like stomach aches
- Regression in skills
- Reluctance to go to school or daycare
- Lack of interest in playing with friends
Notice changing behaviors (non-compliance, argumentative, isolating, easily irritated) and assess whether they may need additional support (CYBHI offers CPP and TFCBT services). Avoid making false assurances, like saying someone “went on vacation” or they are “working far away,” and that “everything will be fine.” Instead, be honest by utilizing age-appropriate language such as “your friend was taken to his hometown, and we are not sure when he will be able to come back” or “your friend was taken somewhere, and we are trying to figure out what the next steps will be.”
Create a safe and supportive environment where your child feels comfortable expressing their feelings. Normalize the uncertainty with words like: “I know, it is confusing, I don’t know either.” Whether your child is feeling fear, anger, confusion, or sadness, let them know that it’s ok to have these feelings.
When they ask clarifying questions, share what you know using developmentally appropriate language, not what you think may happen. Focus on what you can do now to support your child. Maintain consistent routines, establish regular sleep schedules, mealtimes, and playtime to provide stability. Provide feeling identification activities such as feeling cards, feeling charts, discussing feelings, etc. Provide self-regulation and enjoyable activities like deep breathing, mindfulness, coloring, playing, running, outdoor activities, hobbies, blowing bubbles, etc.
Here are some other resources:
- https://piploproductions.com/ (Books)
- https://www.bmc.org/sites/default/files/Programs___Services/Programs_for_Adults/center-family-navigation-community-health-promotion/1-Family-Preparedness-Plan.pdf (Family Plan)
- https://childrenthriveaction.org/2025/01/protecting-immigrant-families-toolkit/ (Family resources)
Age 6+
At this age, children may better understand the details of what’s happening and the repercussions. Use age-appropriate language to engage with them and don’t avoid their questions.
Children and teenagers tell us through their play and actions what they are feeling. This is how many children communicate when they don’t have the words to say what is on their mind. Look for signs of stress such as stomachaches, headaches, changes in appetite, mood swings, declining school performance, and isolation.
To help reduce stress around current event concerns or other daily stressors, make sure your child has time to play, sing, dance, read, do artwork, exercise, play sports and other activities they enjoy. Be there for cuddles and love with family, consider therapy services, give them opportunities to voice their concerns, normalize their thoughts and feelings, and acknowledge their concerns and fears.
It may help your child feel connected to their friend or classmate by encouraging them to write letters to those who are no longer in the classroom. Consider attending a grief and loss group.
Teachers may choose to discuss grief and loss in the classroom. Some ways to support students include: breathing exercises, relaxation, and mindfulness techniques, journaling, and making sure parents/caregivers have resources so they feel equipped to help their children.
During these stressful times, it’s important to be available to children as a source of information and comfort. Children will likely have questions that are difficult to answer. But offering age appropriate information and a space for discussion will help children regulate their emotions around these difficult issues. For more support on addressing children’s emotional regulation, click here.
