Our community has faced a series of devastating crises—from the wildfires in January to the ongoing ICE raids across Los Angeles County.
These events have raised deep concerns and anxiety for many of us. Children, too, are exposed to these stressful and often frightening
experiences, which can profoundly affect their sense of safety and emotional well-being.
In response, we are providing guidance and resources to help you navigate these difficult conversations with the children in your lives.
1. Understand Child Development: Tailor the Conversation
- Preschool (Ages 3–5):
- Use simple, concrete language.
- Focus on safety (“You are safe. The adults are here to take care of you.”).
- Avoid unnecessary details; children this age may confuse imagination and reality.
- Early Elementary (Ages 6–8):
- Offer basic facts, clarify misunderstandings.
- Encourage questions and correct misinformation.
- Validate feelings and provide simple coping strategies (e.g., breathing, hugs).
- Older Children (Ages 9+):
- Engage in more detailed discussion.
- Explore emotional reactions, provide context.
- Discuss community helpers and how people are working together to fix things.
2. Start the Conversation Gently
- Ask what they know: “Did you hear about what happened today?” or “Has anyone talked about something scary at school?”
- Clarify and correct misinformation calmly.
- Be honest, but reassuring: Stick to the facts and avoid graphic or frightening details.
3. Manage Media Exposure
- Turn off the news around young children.
- Be mindful of background conversations (e.g., adult phone calls).
- Explain that the media can replay scary events, which doesn’t mean they’re happening again.
4. Provide Reassurance and Safety
- Emphasize the role of helpers: firefighters, police officers, doctors, and teachers.
- Reassure them: “We are safe right now,” or “We are doing everything to keep you safe.”
- Maintain routines—structure is comforting.
5. Listen Actively and Validate Feelings
- Let them express feelings through talk, play, or drawing.
- Acknowledge emotions: “It’s okay to feel sad/scared/confused.”
- Don’t dismiss their fears—help them name and process emotions.
6. Model Calm and Self-Care
- Children take emotional cues from adults.
- Practice your own self-regulation and seek support if needed.
- Show them how you cope in healthy ways.
7. Offer Constructive Actions – Foster Connections
- Engage children in helping others—draw a card, collect donations, say thank-you to a helper.
- Help them feel empowered rather than helpless.
8. Seek Additional Support if Needed
- If a child shows signs of prolonged distress (sleep issues, regression, aggression), seek mental health support.
By approaching these conversations with honesty, empathy, and reassurance, we can help children feel heard, supported, and more secure during uncertain times. Whether it’s answering their questions, acknowledging their emotions, or simply being present, every effort makes a difference.
Together, as a community, we can foster resilience and ensure that our children continue to feel safe, connected, and cared for—even in the face of adversity. For additional information, please contact our offices or visit our website. We remain committed to our community through our mental health programs and Family Source Center. For additional resources and hotlines, visit the following link – https://www.wellnestla.org/resources-for-emotional-wellness/
For more information and resources, visit www.ecda.org or call us at (818) 898-0223.
