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Keep routines steady
Maintain regular meals and bedtime. Predictability helps kids feel safe.

Limit media exposure
Turn off TV coverage and reduce news and social media that can increase anxiety.

Be honest, but simple
Share information in clear, age-appropriate ways. Kids don’t need all the details, just enough to understand.

Listen to their fears
Give space for kids to share questions, worries, or anger. Validate their feelings without judgment.

Reassure safety
Remind them the world is still a good place, even though there are people who sometimes do bad things.

Model calm
Children take cues from adults. Try not to project your fears onto them.

Take care of yourself
Recognize and process your own stress. Kids feel more secure when the adults around them are grounded.

Encourage kindness and connection
Helping others, whether family, friends, or community, restores a sense of hope and control.

Keep conversations open
Let children know it’s always okay to come back with more questions or feelings.

Seek extra help when needed
If your child continues to struggle for several days, reach out to a counselor, teacher, doctor, or trusted professional.

Remember: You don’t need perfect words. What matters most is showing up, listening, offering comfort, and reminding kids they are not alone. Your calm presence can become their greatest source of safety and strength.

Take time to sit with your child and ask what they have heard. Listen carefully and let them share their thoughts and feelings. It is okay to say, “I don’t know everything, but I am here with you.” Validating emotions and reassuring children that their feelings are normal helps them feel safe.

Use language that fits your child’s age. Younger children need simple explanations without graphic details. Older children may have more questions, and it is okay to answer honestly, calmly, and factually. Limiting exposure to news and social media can prevent anxiety from growing.

Children may show their feelings in quiet ways, like withdrawing, acting out, or having physical complaints. Encourage them to express themselves through talking, drawing, writing, or play. Maintaining routines such as meals, school, and bedtime helps provide stability and a sense of security.

Spend intentional time together and highlight stories of helpers, like first responders or community members, to reinforce hope.

Persistent nightmares, intense worry, withdrawal, or behavioral changes are signs that it may be helpful to involve a mental health professional.

Remember to take care of yourself too. Kids notice how adults handle stress, and your calm presence reassures them that safety and care are possible.

Talking about tragedies is never easy and with honesty, compassion, and patience, adults can help children move through fear and confusion toward understanding, and hope.

Key Messages to Reinforce:
“I am here for you. You are not alone.”
“It is okay to ask for help.”
“All feelings are normal.”

What You Can Do:

• Offer comfort, attention, and care.
• Model healthy grieving.
• Be truthful and clear.
• Reassure the child they are not to blame.
• Listen actively and answer questions.
• Encourage remembrance through conversation, creative activities, or memory books.
• Maintain routines and normal activities while offering flexibility.
• Inform teachers and school staff as needed.
• Recognize and plan for special days or anniversaries.

Encourage Children To:

• Talk with trusted adults, peers, or counselors.
• Express emotions through art, writing, music, or play.
• Participate in physical activity and healthy routines.
• Celebrate the life of their loved one through memories, rituals, or keepsakes.

Words to Use

Use clear, direct language when talking about death:

• Died / Dead
• Heartbeat / Breathing stopped
• Cremation / Burial / Funeral / Memorial service
• Casket / Urn / Headstone

Avoid euphemisms like “passed away,” “lost,” or “sleeping”, which can confuse children.