Kids & Family

Family Talk: Talking to Kids About the Boston Marathon Bombings

This week's topic is discussing the news coverage of the bombings with your children.

This article was written by Liliana De Jesus.

The Boston Marathon tragedy hit close to home for everyone.  

Like everyone else, I was engulfed in the coverage of not just what happened last Monday at the marathon, but with the manhunt that ensued for the second suspect after the first was killed.  

Whether it was through the television, online or satellite radio, I was glued to almost every minute of the drama that unfolded.  

And, I say ‘almost’ because I did not want my kids to hear of all what was going on. I had conversations with both of them, but did not want to have news reports be a direct source of information for them.  

Filtering is extremely important when dealing with such news that involves terror, death, injury and a blatant visual of the threat to safety we can face, even at positive social events that involve large crowds.  

All of those aspects can come as more than just a shock to children and addressing the matter in way that does not leave them with a lingering fear is paramount.  

Finding ways to discuss what has happened and explaining that people have died and many more were terribly injured can be challenging, to say the least.  

But, it is definitely a necessity. Kids will hear other adults and kids referencing the occurrences of the past week.  

And it is better to have that information come from a parent who has not only planned how to approach the matter, but opens up the conversation to answer any questions that might surface.  

Kids do not always show their emotions. Assuming that they are not affected by news reports or conversations around them is a mistake.  

Taking the time to make sure they understand what is happening and are able to express their thoughts and ask questions is something that often times is not done, particularly when so much is happening in such a short period of time.  

Along with being a prime source of information of current events taking place, it is beneficial for parents to highlight the positive acts that surface from such tragedies, providing for a key learning experience.  

Some great examples for the situation at hand are to show acts of triumph, displays of support and tributes in which you and your kids can participate.  

Whether or not you and your family have ties to Boston and any of those that died or were injured, we are all affected and should not miss an opportunity to inform, teach, reassure and engage our children.


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