The recent suicide-killings in Colorado and the outbreak of fighting in Kosovo, makes talking to our children about violence a necessary responsibility. It would be easy to wait until our children bring up the issue and not take a lead role in discussing violence with them. Unfortunately, too many children take in the information, attempt to process it with their limited experience and understanding, and never say a word to an adult. Just because they don't initiate discussion, doesn't mean that parents shouldn't. For these children, talking about the violence may relieve feelings of anxiety and insecurity they were bottling up inside.
Children get their sense of safety from the attitudes and behaviors of adults, primarily parents.
How we act and talk will have a direct impact of the emotional well being of children. The first step in talking to children about violence is to acknowledge their thoughts and feelings about the violence. This will give parents a barometer about where the child is at and what concerns need to be addressed. Demonstrate that you are willing to hear it and give your child full attention without judgment. Too many parents are quick to jump into a child's comments and make them seem invalid.