Helping Kids With Anxiety About Current Events
When the world feels heavy, many children feel it too. Some show it through questions, worry, sleep problems, or big emotions. Others, especially younger children, may not notice at all. All of these responses are normal.
Parents often wonder how much to say, when to say it, and how to protect kids without overwhelming them or avoiding hard topics altogether.
When the world feels heavy, many children feel it too. Sometimes it shows up as questions. Sometimes as irritability, sleep problems, or big emotions that seem to come out of nowhere. And sometimes, especially for very young children, it doesn’t show up at all. All of those responses are normal.
As a child psychologist and a parent, I’ve been talking with many families about anxiety related to current events. Parents are often unsure how much to say, when to say it, and how to protect their kids without either overwhelming them or avoiding the topic altogether.
The goal is not to explain everything. The goal is to reduce fear, protect a child’s sense of safety, and prevent anxiety from taking over daily life. Below are evidence-based ways to support children informed by anxiety treatments.
Start with yourself: supporting child anxiety begins with caregivers
Before focusing on what to say to your child, it’s important to look inward. Children regulate through their caregivers. Even when nothing is said directly, kids pick up on tone, stress, and changes in routine.
Ask yourself:
* How much news am I consuming?
* Am I having emotionally charged conversations within earshot of my child?
* How regulated do I feel day to day?
Supporting your own nervous system is not selfish. It is one of the most effective anxiety interventions we have. This might mean limiting news intake, taking breaks from social media, taking a walk outside, or intentionally grounding yourself before interacting with your child.
Decide how much to talk based on impact and your child’s environment
Not every child needs the same conversation.
If current events are not directly affecting your family, town, school, or social circle, many children, especially young ones, need little information. Some children truly are too young to notice, and that is okay.
If you live in an affected area, are part of an immigrant family, or these events are impacting people your child knows, it makes sense to talk more openly. The key is to keep explanations simple, concrete, and developmentally appropriate.
You do not need to provide adult-level details for children to feel informed.
Be honest, brief, and intentional when talking to anxious children
When children ask questions about current events, honesty builds trust. But more information does not necessarily equal more reassurance for anxious kids.
Helpful examples:
* “There was a terrible storm that flooded some homes. Some of our friends have lost their things. Maybe we can get some toys together to donate to kids who need them”
*“There are some scary things happening for some families. Right now, this is not something that is affecting our family. If anything changes, we will talk about it together.
Answer the question that was asked, then pause. Let them drive the conversation. Often, our own anxiety presents as too much talking. Avoid repeating the same details or reassurance over and over again. Research shows that repeated reassurance can actually increase anxiety by teaching kids that the threat must be serious if adults keep explaining it.
Limit exposure to news and media for children
This is not about sheltering children from reality. It’s about recognizing limits.
Children’s brains, and adult brains too, are not built for constant exposure to negative news. This includes background TV, adult conversations, social media videos, and repeated updates throughout the day.
Limiting exposure is a protective step, not avoidance.
Avoid heavy conversations at bedtime
Anxiety tends to spike at night. The brain is tired, distractions are gone, and worries feel louder.
If possible, have conversations about current events during the daytime. At bedtime, focus on routine, connection, and clear cues of safety.
If a child brings up worries at night, keep responses short and grounding:
* “You are safe right now.”
* “We can talk more about this tomorrow.”
Then gently return to the bedtime routine.
Use supportive statements to reduce reassurance-seeking
Sometimes children continue to express fear even after they’ve been given enough information. This is where SPACE treatment principles are especially helpful.
Instead of giving more explanations or reassurance, use supportive statements that acknowledge feelings while showing confidence in your child’s ability to cope.
Examples:
* “I know this feels scary, and I’m confident you can handle these feelings.”
* “I can see you’re worried. I know you’re strong enough to get through this.”
This approach reduces anxiety over time by building confidence rather than dependence on reassurance.
Keep routines, play, and joy
Routine, play, movement, time outdoors, laughter, and connection are powerful regulators for anxious nervous systems. And they are great for preventing anxiety and mood disturbances as well. This is not ignoring reality. It is helping the brain recover.
Joy is not denial. It is healthy coping.
When to seek professional help for child anxiety
If anxiety is escalating or interfering with sleep, school, relationships, or daily functioning, it may be time to seek professional help. Early support can make a significant difference.
Find a provider that offers evidence-based supports for anxiety, not just general counseling.
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If you are seeking child anxiety therapy, working with a licensed psychologist who specializes in childhood anxiety, ADHD, and autism can help your child build coping skills and restore a sense of safety.
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For education only. This content is not a substitute for therapy.
