by Claudia Boyd-Barrett posted in Parenting

With so many calamities in the news recently, from the Las Vegas mass shooting to destructive hurricanes, chances are high your child has picked up on at least one tragic news event.
If you?re wondering how to talk to your child about these incidents, you can find advice on BabyCenter and from the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP). BabyCenter resources include guidance on how to talk to preschoolers, and how to talk to grade-school-age children about violent events in the news.
Children as young as 4 years old hear about major crises. Talking to your child in an age-appropriate way about these matters can help him process and cope with unsettling news.
 
Some tips from the available resources include: ? Avoid constant media coverage: Don?t expose your kids to constant descriptions of violence and graphic images on TV, the Internet, or on other media as this can be upsetting.
? Ask your child what she knows: Chances are she?s heard something about the tragedy from friends, TV or elsewhere. Listen for misunderstandings or frightening rumors, and offer clarification. Allow your child to show her feelings, and offer support and comfort. Let her know it?s OK to be upset.
? Ask what questions he has: Let these and the information provided above guide your conversation. Be honest about what happened but explain it in a way your child can understand and without going into graphic detail. Offer reassurance where you can. Let you...