Talking To Young Children After Traumatic Events: Guidance For Families

When distressing events happen, whether in our community or seen in the media, children can feel confused, anxious, or scared. As parents and caregivers, you play a vital role in helping children process these experiences and feel safe again.

How to Support Your Child

Create a Safe Space for Conversation

• Encourage your child to share what they’ve heard or seen.
• Let them know it’s okay to ask questions and talk about their feelings.
• Be patient, children may need to revisit the topic several times.

Share Simple, Honest Information

• Offer truthful, age-appropriate details without overwhelming them.
• Correct any misunderstandings or rumours they may have heard.

Express and Model Feelings

• Share your own feelings calmly. This helps children learn how to express and manage emotions.
• Reassure them that feeling sad, scared, or confused is normal.

Support Emotional Expression

• Encourage drawing, play, or storytelling as ways for children to express themselves.
• Make time for fun and creative activities.

Limit Media Exposure

• Shield young children from distressing news coverage.
• For older children, watch together and discuss what you see.

Maintain Routines and Reassure Safety

• Keeping up with daily routines helps children feel secure.
• Remind them of the helpers in the community and the steps taken to keep everyone safe.

Watch for Stress Reactions

• Look out for changes in sleep, appetite, mood, or behaviour.
• Offer extra comfort and attention if needed.

Foster Hope and Positive Action

• Highlight acts of kindness and community support.
• Encourage children to help others, even in small ways.

Take Care of Yourself

• Children notice how adults cope. Model healthy ways to manage stress.
• Reach out for support if you or your child need extra help.

Helpful Resources

• Lifeline is a 24-hour telephone counselling service – phone 13 11 14
• Raisingchildren.net.au: Traumatic events: First response to help children and teenagers
• Phoenix Australia: Helping my children after trauma – A guide for parents
• Australian Psychological Society: Tragic events and community disasters
• Victorian State Department of Health – Anxiety

If you have concerns about your child’s wellbeing or need further support, please reach out to our team or a trusted health professional.