Part 2: Talking to Your Kids About Current Events: Tools for Forest Hills Parents

If you’re reading this, you likely already understand that parenting through crisis starts with regulating your own emotions. (If you haven’t read Part 1 yet, start there — it’s all about taking care of you, first.)

Once you’ve grounded yourself, you’re better prepared to help your child process the world around them. And let’s be honest, with nonstop new and social media capturing the global unrest around us, our children have to process a lot. 

In a place like Forest Hills — where kids grow up surrounded by different cultures, languages, and lived experiences — the conversations we have at home can help shape a generation that leads with empathy and resilience. As a therapist in Forest Hills, NY with 15 years of experience, I’ve seen this firsthand.

Whether you’re searching for group counseling in Forest Hills, NY or individual therapy, you can start with these simple yet effective steps below. Here’s how to approach those conversations, especially during moments of crisis or uncertainty.

1. Stay Calm First

Your child is looking to you as an emotional barometer. Take a breath before responding. Even a moment of pause helps you model self-regulation — a skill that’s more powerful than any single piece of advice.

2. Ask, Don’t Assume

Start by listening. Ask open-ended questions like:

“What have you heard?”

“How are you feeling about it?”

This helps you meet them where they are, rather than overwhelming them with too much information.

3. Validate Their Emotions

It’s tempting to rush in with reassurance, but don’t skip the step of acknowledging their feelings. A simple statement like “It makes sense that you’d feel worried after hearing that,” can go a long way toward helping your child feel seen and safe.

4. Don’t Rush to Fix It

Sometimes, children aren’t looking for answers — they’re looking for presence. You don’t have to solve everything. Just being there with them is often enough.

5. Point Them Toward Safety

Remind your child of the safe people in their lives — parents, teachers, family members — and keep important phone numbers accessible. Naming their support network helps reduce fear.

6. Balance the Narrative

The human brain is wired to latch onto negative stories — and the media reinforces that. So be intentional about also sharing stories of helpers, acts of kindness, and resilience in the face of adversity.

7. Keep It Age-Appropriate

Younger kids need simple, reassuring language. Teens may want more complex discussions. Match your explanation to your child’s age and emotional maturity.

8. Limit Media Exposure

Just like adults, kids can become overwhelmed by 24/7 coverage. Help them set healthy boundaries with news and social media.

9. Model Healthy Coping

Let your child see how you handle stress:

-Deep breathing
-Going for a walk
-Turning off the news

These actions speak louder than lectures.

10. Encourage Questions

It’s okay not to have all the answers. Saying:

“I don’t know, but we can learn together,” builds trust — and keeps the lines of communication open.

11. Focus on What They Can Control

Feeling helpless is tough, at any age. Help your child channel their energy into small, positive actions — being kind, helping a friend, or supporting a cause.

12. Reinforce Routines

Just as adults feel steadier with structure, kids thrive on predictable daily rhythms. Maintaining regular meals, bedtime, and screen time can offer a comforting sense of order.

Living in a diverse neighborhood like Forest Hills gives us a unique parenting advantage: We have daily practice in listening, learning, and embracing difference. These skills aren’t just useful in times of crisis — they’re essential.

When we show our children how to stay calm, stay curious, and stay connected to their community, we’re not just helping them cope — we’re helping them lead.

Did you miss Part 1? Learn how to take care of yourself first so you can better care for your child.

Published in Forest Hills Mom: https://foresthillsmom.com/part-2-talking-to-your-kids-about-current-events-tools-for-forest-hills-parents/