Explaining the Boston bombing to our kids

The news can be confusing for children

As the smoke clears in America from the latest bombings, and North Korea rattles its nuclear sabres, what do we tell our kids? John Cowan, creative producer and presenter at The Parenting Place says parents need to be the voice of calm and reason, interpreting world events for their children.

“I don’t know if we are actually going to be touched by war or terrorist attacks in New Zealand but our children, with less maturity, could become very frightened and upset. We should limit exposure to graphic images and descriptions in the news. Be careful not to be too descriptive about these events in front of young children,” says John.

“Lend them your grown-up perspective and realism. Childish imagination fills the gaps between real facts. In significant issues, it needs more than the just the opinions of the other kids in the playground, it really needs an adult to overlay the true significance and meaning of what has happened. Talk to your kids and ask what they are afraid of. Their fears might be wildly amplified beyond real risks. Be honest with them about the safety of where you live. The truth might be very reassuring.

“Let them know it is normal and healthy to feel sad when bad things happen to other people. We can minimise their fear, but we should not minimise the sadness of the events. We don’t want them to be afraid, but we don’t want them to be uncaring, either. Talk about ways they might be able to express their sympathy.”

The Parenting Place is a not-for-profit organisation that provides practical and positive parenting skills and strategies. We believe family is everything, and are here to help parents wherever they are on their parenting journey - right from the newborn phase through to the teenage years.

ENDS

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