How to Talk to Your Child About the News

Prior to COVID-19, it may have been simple for you to talk to children about the news in an age-appropriate way. Many topics could simply be avoided at the dinner table. However, world news is now being brought into the school system, and it’s important for you to be able to discuss these matters with your child in an empathetic and easy-to-understand manner. This will also help them frame a positive and problem-solving worldview later in life, which will serve them immensely in their later political and social life. 

The Key is Empathy

The “news” we as adults consume on a regular basis is generally sad. From local reports of crime to national stories of unrest, the world can be quite heavy. The key to exposing your children to any of it is to think of others. In the darkness of our world, the light of others caring is what gets us through. As we age, the susceptibility of becoming jaded is always looming on the horizon. Teaching your child to give a darn about other people that they do not know can help them to show compassion to those they do know. Too often the news of the day is simply one adult yelling at another about how the other is wrong about something. Be better than the news and show your child that people matter above all else.

Knowledge is Power

At some point, we as a society simultaneously decided that everything is “fake news” BESIDES the source of information we like. Do not let this sad trend continue on to the next generation. Teach your children to let every piece of information and news they receive to be a “hook” to look for more. Never take a single source as an absolute fact, but also do not simply disregard information because it does not line up with your views. Today, so many “news outlets” claim to be impartial, fair and balanced when in reality this is not the case. Too often information is delivered through the lens of political bias. Showing your child that personal fact checking should be a regular part of the conversation is healthy. 

Agree to Disagree

In this modern world, everything seems to devolve into an argument. No longer are we allowed to have different opinions to be respected and discussed. A sad notion that you as an adult should combat and seek to abolish in the next generation. Understanding one another and growing is how we as humanity will continue to move the needle forward. Showing your child that you are allowed to disagree with someone and remain civil is vital. To accomplish anything of value as a people, we need to meet in the middle together and strive to be better.