Every parent wants their kids to stay innocent for as long as possible, but events like that in Las Vegas has to be addressed with them.
Mass shootings like the one in Las Vegas may be scary for kids to see in the media and can cause anxiety, stress, and fear. Doctor Joe Austerman with Cleveland Clinic Children's says regardless of the event; parents need to be protectors and give a consistent message of safety. Doctor Austerman recommends parents try to limit the amount of violent media coverage young children are exposed to.
He says a child is usually scared if they ask about a frightening or violent event. Doctor Austerman says it's best to ask a child what they know and then let them lead the discussion. He adds that it's important to find out what they're scared of, what their worries are and to understand how they're affected by it. He says this type of discussion can also serve as an opportunity to talk about family values.
Every parent wants their kids to stay innocent for as long as possible, but events like that in Las Vegas has to be addressed with them.
Mass shootings like the one in Las Vegas may be scary for kids to see in the media and can cause anxiety, stress, and fear. Doctor Joe Austerman with Cleveland Clinic Children's says regardless of the event; parents need to be protectors and give a consistent message of safety. Doctor Austerman recommends parents try to limit the amount of violent media coverage young children are exposed to.
He says a child is usually scared if they ask about a frightening or violent event. Doctor Austerman says it's best to ask a child what they know and then let them lead the discussion. He adds that it's important to find out what they're scared of, what their worries are and to understand how they're affected by it. He says this type of discussion can also serve as an opportunity to talk about family values.