Resources for Helping Children with Scary Events
Children Feel What We Feel — Even When They Don’t Understand Why
In times of community or global crisis, it’s easy to assume that young children are unaware of what’s happening. But one thing is certain: children are deeply attuned to their parents’ emotions.
They notice the expressions on our faces, the tone of our voices, and the tension in our bodies. Even if they don’t understand the details, they can sense when something is wrong—especially when their parents are worried or scared.
No matter how much children know about a crisis, the most unsettling part for them is realizing that the people they rely on for safety are feeling afraid.
The good news? Children also respond powerfully to reassurance. When parents take time to offer comfort, maintain routines, and speak calmly, children feel safer—even in uncertain times. Our presence, love, and steadiness can be the anchor they need.
❤️ Let’s keep showing up for our children and our communities.
WATCH
PBS KIDS
Follow the Plan
Daniel Tiger explains that it’s important for families to have a plan that everyone can follow in case of an emergency.
Sesame Street Workshop
Rosita and Alan Talk about Community Violence
It’s hard to know how to help young children understand and cope with the effects of violence in their own community, but there are ways to help them feel safer.
RESOURCES
PBS LearningMedia
Meet the Helpers
Many children have questions and can feel uneasy when emergencies occur in their communities. The Meet the Helpers toolkit is designed to introduce “helpers” and explain the role they play in emergency situations. Included in the toolkit are videos and hands-on activities that provide educators and families with developmentally appropriate resources for young children.
PBS KIDS for Parents
Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News
In times of community or world-wide crisis, it's easy to assume that young children don't know what's going on. But one thing's for sure -- children are very sensitive to how their parents feel. They're keenly aware of the expressions on their parents' faces and the tone of their voices. Children can sense when their parents are really worried, whether they're watching the news or talking about it with others. No matter what children know about a “crisis,” it’s especially scary for children to realize that their parents are scared.
