There is a heaviness in our nation.
For many, waking up these past few days has brought a wave of disbelief, sorrow, and confusion. The news of Charlie Kirk’s assassination has shaken people across the country, regardless of their politics, affiliations, or whether they knew him personally.
We are grieving the violent loss of a public figure. We are grieving the state of our nation. We are grieving what feels like a continued erosion of safety, civility, and peace. And in the middle of this collective grief, many parents are asking:
“How do I talk to my children about this?”
“How do I protect their sense of safety when I feel shaken myself?”
“What do I say… or not say?”
At The Talking Place, we work every day with children and families navigating grief, trauma, and uncertainty. While we cannot undo what has happened, we can offer support and guidance to help you care for the young hearts in your home.
Why Talking Matters
When children hear or see disturbing news, especially involving violence or the loss of someone in the public eye, they often have big questions and even bigger feelings. Whether they are 5 or 15, children look to the adults in their lives to help them interpret the world and feel safe in it.
But here’s the hard truth: we as adults are struggling too.
This news cycle has been relentless. Graphic headlines. Polarized commentary. The urge to “stay informed” can turn into endless doom-scrolling, and sometimes, without warning, we’re confronted with violent footage or disturbing updates we didn’t seek out sandwiched between a favorite cookie recipe and a meme. Even brief exposure to this kind of content can register in our nervous systems as tiny traumas, especially when repeated throughout the day.
It’s easy to feel overwhelmed, helpless, and angry — even just trying to go about daily life.
And yet, your children are watching you. How you respond in these moments, not perfectly, but humanely, teaches them something essential: That it’s okay to feel. It’s okay to ask hard questions. It’s okay to grieve. And that even in chaos, we can find grounding in connection.
As caregivers, you don’t need to have all the answers. But you do have an opportunity: to show your children what it looks like to name their pain, seek support, and move toward healing — together.
Practical Guidance for Talking with Children About the News
Start by Asking What They Know: Before offering information, ask: “What have you heard?” or “What are people saying at school?” and “How are you feeling about it?”
Let their words guide how much you share. You may be surprised at how much they’ve already absorbed — or misunderstood.
Be Honest, But Age-Aware: Younger children need simple, clear words: “Someone hurt a man named Charlie Kirk, and he died. It’s very sad, and people are upset.”
Older children or teens may want more context. Be factual and calm, avoiding speculation or graphic details.
Validate Their Feelings: Children may feel sad, scared, confused, angry — or nothing at all. All of it is okay.
Let them know their feelings are valid: “It’s okay to feel scared. I feel that way sometimes too.” or “This kind of news can feel really heavy.”
Being present with them in those feelings is often more powerful than trying to “fix” them.
Limit News Exposure: Repeated news coverage can amplify fear. For children and teens especially, overexposure to violent or political content can be overwhelming and harmful to their developing sense of safety.
As parents, you decide what your children are exposed to—not the news cycle, not social media, not algorithms. Setting limits is not about sheltering them from reality but about protecting their hearts and minds so they can grow in healthy ways.
Practical steps include:
- Turning off the TV during mealtimes or bedtime
- Limiting daily technology to no more than 1–2 hours of recreational screen time (AAP guidelines)
- Avoiding unsupervised internet use, especially for younger children
- Watching or reading the news together and talking it through if they’re curious
Beyond setting boundaries, teach children that they have a responsibility to guard their own eyes and ears. What they take in shapes how they think, feel, and even how they view the world. Framing it as a matter of stewardship, protecting their mind and heart, helps children see that choosing wisely is part of growing in maturity.
Guiding what they absorb gives them space to focus on what is true, good, and grounding—not just what is frightening.
Offer Reassurance Without False Promises: Children need to hear that they are safe and that the adults around them are doing everything they can to keep them safe: “What happened is very sad, and very rare. We’re here, and we’re safe right now.”
Avoid promising that nothing bad will ever happen, but remind them that no matter what, they are never alone and always deeply loved.
Keep Routines Steady: Children feel safest when life is predictable. Maintain regular routines as much as possible — meals, bedtime, school, and play.
Predictability gives children the sense of stability they crave.
Encourage Expression Through Play or Art: Children often process emotions through nonverbal outlets and in indirect ways. Give them space to:
- Draw or paint
- Play with dolls or action figures
- Create stories
- Ask questions during casual time, like car rides or bedtime
These creative outlets aren’t just activities—they are a child’s natural language, a safe way to express feelings, make sense of their world, and communicate what words they can’t yet capture.
Model Healthy Coping: Children learn most from what they see. Let your children see you grieving, praying, journaling, taking breaks, or talking to friends. This shows them that emotions are normal and manageable — even the hard ones.
Letting kids see you find comfort and strength helps them do the same. If you’re struggling yourself, that’s okay. Support from counselors, pastors, or community can help.
What If Your Child Is Especially Anxious or Sensitive?
Some children, particularly those with existing anxiety or past trauma, may be more impacted by national news like this. Watch for signs such as:
- Trouble sleeping
- Withdrawing or acting out
- Frequent fears or “what if” questions
- Trouble focusing at school
These signs are often temporary. But if distress continues or worsens, consider reaching out to a child therapist for support.
The Talking Place Texas offers child and family counseling to help navigate grief, trauma, and big feelings — especially during moments like these.
Helping Kids Take Action
Taking action helps children feel empowered in the face of helplessness. Consider:
- Saying a prayer together
- Writing a note of encouragement to someone impacted
- Doing a kind act in someone’s honor
- Lighting a candle or attending a community gathering
Even small gestures can help children feel connected, compassionate, and capable.
Final Thoughts
Children don’t need polished answers as much as they need presence and to know they are not alone. Offer them a calm, steady hand, and gently point them toward the deeper hope that anchors your family in difficult times.
And remember: you are not alone either. Even in seasons of grief and uncertainty, there is comfort to be found—in God, in family, and in the strength of a caring community.
If you’re unsure whether your child needs extra support, or just want a safe place to talk it through, here at The Talking Place we offer free consultations. You can reach out anytime by completing our Contact Us form, and our team will follow up to schedule a time to connect.
Additional Resources for Parents & Caregivers
