Needham Youth Services: How To Talk to Your Kids

The following was provided by Needham Youth Services: 

Yesterday’s bombing at the Boston Marathon is scary and sad, and most of us are still reeling from this tragedy.   

A few things for adults to keep in mind regarding this incident:

• Our children listen to our words and tone, and we can be reassuring or on the other extreme increase anxiety in our children…so be thoughtful about what you say to your children.
• Please be aware that if you are talking to another adult in person or on the phone about this incident, that your children will feel the impact of what you saying (even if it is not directed at the child).
• Do not expose children to graphic images as this can be frightening.
• Child want to know that they are safe, and parents can play an important role by talking about all of the ways police and others generally keep our world safe.
• Be on the lookout for fears and anxiety in children--for example difficulty in sleeping, excessive crying, etc.--this can be a normal response to such an incident and hopefully this will fade over the next few days.

If parents have concerns about their children or would like support regarding how to best talk to their children about this event, please contact me at Needham Youth Services via email at jmattleman@needhamma.gov and I will get right back to you.

Thanks,

Jon Mattleman, Director
Needham Youth Services