When big stories are in the news, children hear about them - at school, online, from friends, and sometimes in ways that can feel confusing or worrying.
You don’t need to have all the answers. What matters most is helping your child think clearly, feel safe to ask questions, and respond in ways that protect their wellbeing.
Here are three simple ways you can support them at home:
1. Help them become a “detective”
If a story sounds dramatic or blames someone, pause together.
You might ask:
- What do we actually know?
- Where did this information come from?
- Could there be another side to the story?
- Is this using words like “always” or “never”?
2. Use ‘what’ questions, not ‘why’
When emotions are high, “why” questions can sometimes feel blaming.
Instead try:
- What have you heard?
- What do you think about it?
- What worries you most?
- What would help you feel clearer or calmer?
3. Choose hope and kindness
It’s easy for children (and adults) to feel overwhelmed by difficult world events. Remind them that choosing hope and kindness doesn’t ignore reality - it helps us move forward.
You could ask:
- What’s one small positive thing we could do?
- How can we show kindness right now?
- Who is helping in this situation?
You don’t need to solve the world’s problems in one conversation. Simply listening calmly, asking thoughtful questions and modelling balanced thinking makes a powerful difference.
For more information, resources, support and learning materials, check out the Bounce Forward Website
Information provided by SHAPE HIVE