5 AND UNDER
The American Pediatric Association’s newest recommendations for screen time include no screen exposure for children under 18 months, high-quality programming can be introduced in short intervals with a parent for kids 18-24 months and for kids 2-5 years their screen time should be limited to 1 hour per day of high quality, educational programming only.
If your child asks a question about a difficult event, offer a simple explanation. Keep it to one or two sentences and STOP. If they ask more questions continue with the simple answers. “A very sad thing happened and people get angry and hurt each other. This is happening far away and we’re safe. I’m glad we’re together. Would you like to go play?”
ELEMENTARY SCHOOL AGE
- Never assume they haven’t heard about it at school already
- Ask them what they heard
- Correct any misinformation
- Be honest if you don’t know the answer
- Be open and communicate that you are a safe person to whom they can ask any question
PRE-TEEN AND TEEN
- Watch the news with them and ask them their thoughts
- Respect their opinion and perspective: “(Your child is) not an empty vessel for you to fill. Seek their opinion, appreciate their perspective and have a friendly, respectful debate if you can.”
- Ask them if they want to take action with philanthropic activities.
PARENT
- Parents can practice self-care by talking with a counselor or friends that help you feel peaceful.
- Take news breaks and focus on being in the moment with your family.
- Seek out parenting classes through Positive Discipline Community Resources at www.pdcrcc.org or individual parent coaching through fromtheheadtotheheart.com
- Take action by donating or volunteering to a nonprofit–your kids learn from watching you