| Dear Parents,
In just the past couple of weeks, our children have been exposed to disturbing and violent images in the media—the political assassination of Charlie Kirk, the stabbing of a Ukrainian refugee, and the tragic Catholic school shooting. Many of these events were shared on social media, and children as young as elementary age have seen graphic videos.
It’s heartbreaking and troubling to know that our kids are carrying the weight of these images. But as parents, we can help them process what they’re seeing and remind them that they are safe and cared for.
Here are some practical ways to guide these conversations:
💬 Talk, Don’t Avoid Children may already have seen or heard about these events from peers, TikTok, or other platforms. Ask gentle, open-ended questions like: - “Have you heard about what happened?”
- “What have your friends been saying?”
- “How did it make you feel when you saw that video?”
🧠 Keep It Age-Appropriate - Younger kids don’t need all the details. Reassure them that grown-ups are working hard to keep people safe.
- Older kids and teens may want to discuss the why and the what now. Listen first, then provide context without amplifying fear.
❤️ Reassure Their Safety Children want to know: “Am I safe? Are the people I love safe?” Remind them that these events, while tragic, are rare, and that you, their school, and their community are committed to protecting them.
📱 Monitor Media Exposure Encourage breaks from graphic content. Watching videos on repeat can retraumatize kids. Set healthy limits on social media and step in if you notice obsessive scrolling or rising anxiety.
🙏 Model Calm and Hope Kids take their cues from us. Acknowledge that the world can feel scary but emphasize resilience, community, and faith in the future. Let them see you praying, problem-solving, or simply being present.
At Power2Parent, we believe empowered parents protect kids—not just in policy, but in everyday conversations at the dinner table. Thank you for being the steady voice your children need right now.
With you in this, The Power2Parent Team |