Pediatric mental health specialist, Dianna Inman, shares tips on how caregivers can
speak to children on sensitive topics.
- Limit exposure to the news, especially for very young children.
- Ask them if they have heard anything in the news that they want to talk about.
- Reassure them that as a caregiver, you are there for them and that they are safe in your home.
- Be honest with them if you are upset and how you are coping with sad news.
- Check-in with your child and ask them how they are feeling.
- Family meal time is a good time to check-in.
- Have them describe their favorite part of the day then ask them if there was a not so favorite part of the day and explain what happened.
- Families that engage in spiritual practices may want to pray with their children for others that are hurting.
Dianna Inman, Director, Psych Mental Health NP Program, is certified as a Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Primary Care Mental Health Specialist, and a Psychiatric Mental Health Nurse Practitioner. She has been actively engaged in clinical practice in Developmental/Behavioral Pediatrics and school-based mental health.