Helping Kids Cope with Scary News

When something frightening happens in the world, even if it’s far away, children often feel it close to home. They notice our tone of voice, the tension in the room, and the images that flash across the screen. Whether we intend to or not, we teach our children how to respond to the world’s uncertainty by how we respond ourselves.

For kids, scary news can be especially confusing. Their minds are still learning how to separate what’s happening “out there” from what might happen in their own lives, and how to separate truth from rumor. Without the right context or reassurance, their imagination can fill in the blanks with something much bigger or scarier than reality.

We can’t protect our children from everything they hear, but we can help them feel grounded, informed, and safe in a world that often feels unpredictable.

1. Don’t wait to talk about it

When you sense that something has caught your child’s attention, bring it up gently. You might say, “I heard you talking about what happened. What have you heard?” or “Have you noticed people talking about this at school?” These openings give your child a safe space to share what they think they know, so you can fill in the gaps with calm, truthful information.

By being proactive, you become their most trusted source of comfort and clarity.

2. Offer routine, normalcy, and reassurance

Fear often shows up when children start to wonder, Could that happen to me? Remind them that events like this are rare and that the adults in their lives are working to keep them safe.

In times of uncertainty, the familiar becomes soothing. Sticking to routines like bedtime stories, family meals, and small rituals, helps children feel anchored. These predictable moments remind them that, even when the world feels unsettled, their world at home is steady and cared for.

3. Be honest, but gentle

Children don’t need all the details to feel informed. What they need most is your honesty, delivered with calm and care. Keep explanations simple, and follow their lead. Answer what they ask, and pause when they’ve had enough.

It’s okay to say, “That’s a good question. I don’t know, but I can find out.” Modeling calm curiosity helps them see that we can hold uncertainty without fear.

4. Protect emotional space

Continuous exposure to distressing news can make children (and adults) feel helpless or anxious. It’s okay to turn it off. Create boundaries around media time and focus on being present instead. You can cook together, play, take a walk, or simply rest.

Children take cues from how we manage our own emotions. When they see us intentionally stepping back to care for our hearts and minds, they learn to do the same.

5. Look for the helpers

Fred Rogers famously reminded us to “look for the helpers.” Focusing on those who show courage and kindness helps shift the story from fear to hope. Talk about the doctors, firefighters, teachers, and everyday people who come together to help others.

When appropriate, invite your child to participate by writing thank-you notes, donating items, or helping a neighbor. Taking action, even in small ways, restores a sense of agency and compassion.

Scary news reminds all of us how little control we have over the wider world, but it also reminds us of the power we hold in our homes. We can listen, comfort, and guide our children through uncertainty.

Children don’t need us to have all the answers. They need our calm presence, our honesty, and our reassurance that even when the world feels frightening, love and safety still live here.

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