How should we handle disturbing news reports in relation to our children?

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   Angelladywriterposted 11 years ago

   How should we handle disturbing news reports in relation to our children?
   
   Our children will return to their schools. Eventually, they will hear about the deaths of those teachers and children. What will we say and how will we handle their questions? The Awake magazine, October 2012, page 19 stated, "Based on the age, maturity, and emotional makeup of your children, consider setting limits on the amount of exposure they have to the news. Therefore, be alert to any signs of fear or anxiety that your children may display."
   
   

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   ReneeDC1979posted 11 years ago

   I would say be totally honest with them, whatever their question.  I do not agree with the magazines' words.  I mean hiding the news from them so that you can "protect" or feel you are protecting them is not going to keep them from finding out about what is happening.  I do not think you can ever be fully prepared, especially in these types of situations.  But, you just hold your children tight when you have the opportunity, tell them you love them and teach them to right way to live and treat others.  Maybe one day this world will truly change and humanity will prevail.

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      Angelladywriterposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Hi ReneeDC1979,
      Thanks for your response but I am not sure you read the answer correctly. The information given from the Awake magazine never said that we should hide the information but that we should consider their age, maturity and interest.

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      ReneeDC1979posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      i read it Angelladywriter - but how can you control what story comes on the news next?? Kids are going to find out no matter what- why not start at home by teaching them about everything-you may change language based on their age, but not content

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   duffsmomposted 11 years ago

   In our house (kids are grown) my husband has the news on all the time and I have to admit, I get depressed if I pay attention to the broadcasts.  So for children I would keep the news off when they are around. And as suggested, keep the information they get appropriate for their age and maturity levels.
   
   When I was a girl there was an incident of a "peeping tom" in the nieghborhood, all kinds of gossip and stories were going around from a guy peeking in the window, to someone trying to get in--hairy hands coming in the window. I must have been 9 or 10. It scared me to death, but my mom never discussed it.
   
   I would have greatly benefitted from her assurance and explanation of what a peeping tom is.  But no, her way of dealing was silence.
   
   For years I was petrified if there was even a tiny bit of window showing and had to pull the curtains closed completely.
   
   In comparison to the latest killings mine was a mild experience but it illustrates how frightening something benign can become horrifying if left to fester on its own.  I would advise parents to talk to their children, reassure them and keep useless news sensationalism out of their view.

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      ReneeDC1979posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      When you put it that way duffsmom that makes sense.  That's why I love this site cause you get a different perspective that can change your way of thinking.

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