A Guide to Empathy and Support
By: Musa Abu Hadeed, Nisreen Kassem & Nayla Abi Antoun
December 4, 2024
In the face of the ongoing war and the pervasive violence surrounding us, it is natural for everyone, including children, to experience a range of emotions. Feelings of sadness, fear, and confusion can be overwhelming, leaving us feeling lost and unsure how to respond. When these events shake your child’s sense of security, open, honest conversations can be a lifeline.
Your parent, teacher, or caregiver role is pivotal in these challenging times (Ehmke, 2024). Your support, guidance, and understanding can significantly mitigate the adverse effects of frightening world events on your children. Your presence and reassurance are invaluable even if you sometimes feel at a loss for words.
By following the strategies in this article, you will be equipped to communicate effectively with children about their feelings. These tips foster empathy, support, and healthy coping mechanisms, empowering you to help children build emotional resilience and navigate life’s challenges (American Psychological Association, 2024).
Here is how you can turn talks into moments of empathy and reassurance:
1. Skip the news blackout.
Avoid completely shielding your children from the news; use age-appropriate language to explain current events. For younger children, say something like, “Some people are being unkind, which makes others feel sad. But we are safe, and people are working to help”. For older children, say something like, “Even though we might feel small, we can make a difference. Let’s discuss how we could donate to charities, volunteer, or simply be kind to others,” or “Think about how people in those affected areas might be feeling. How can we show kindness and support to others?” This way, you can guide them through the news in a way they can understand without increasing their anxiety, rather than turning off the TV (American Academy of Pediatrics, n.d.).
2. Present the facts.
To effectively guide children through challenging news, it’s essential to strike a balance between honesty and empathy. By providing accurate information in an age-appropriate manner, you can present the facts and create a safe space for open dialogue and emotional expression.
3. Manage exposure.
While staying informed is essential, excessive exposure can be harmful. Set boundaries and monitor news consumption. Provide the support your children need to process their concerns and create a safe space to discuss their thoughts and feelings about new stories. For example, you can limit their exposure to news to a certain amount each day, or you can watch the news with them and then discuss it afterward to help them process what they have seen and heard.
4. Validate their emotions.
Acknowledge their worries and fears, but also emphasize the importance of balance. When validating a child’s emotions, it’s important to strike a balance between acknowledging their feelings and offering reassurance. This helps them process their emotions without getting overwhelmed by anxiety. It is natural for children to feel worried. Provide plenty of time for open discussions to help them process their emotions and validate their feelings.
5. Choose the right moment.
If your child asks about the news at a challenging time, assure them you will discuss it later. Follow through, showing that you value their concerns.
6. Be patient and receptive.
Patience and receptiveness are essential. They help children feel confident and reassured. Allow them to ask questions repeatedly and provide consistent reassurance. Encourage an open dialogue by inviting them to ask questions. Children may need to ask the same questions multiple times to feel reassured. Be patient and understanding as they navigate their feelings. This can help clear up any misunderstandings about troubling events.
7. Honesty builds trust–honesty, even in uncertainty.
Being truthful fosters trust between parents and children. While straightforward and honest explanations are always the goal, admitting that you do not have all the answers is perfectly acceptable. Today’s children are inundated with information from friends, social media, and countless news sources. This constant bombardment can be overwhelming and leave them feeling lost. Therefore, if your child asks complex questions, answer them honestly. If you do not know the answer, admit it and commit to discovering more. This shows them you value their curiosity and are willing to learn together.
In Conclusion
It is essential to remember that you cannot pour from an empty cup. Taking care of your emotional well-being is crucial and essential when supporting children through troubling times. Take breaks, seek support when needed, and practice self-care. Your presence, support, and willingness to listen can make a significant difference in a child’s understanding of the chaotic world around them. It is okay not to be okay; seeking help is a sign of strength, and we encourage you to prioritize your well-being.
References
American Academy of Pediatrics. (n.d.) Media and children. https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/media-and-children/
American Psychological Association. (2024, May 16). How to talk to children about difficult news. https://www.apa.org/topics/journalism-facts/talking-children
Ehmke, R. (2024, October 9). Helping children cope after a traumatic event. Child Mind Institute. https://childmind.org/guide/helping-children-cope-after-a-traumatic-event/