How do we talk about....
Are there things happening that may be difficult for children to understand? This section is dedicated to ways to approach certain subjects and how to discuss them with children.
On top of the resources listed below, Sesame Street in Communities handles a large variety of topics and is a great resource for children in any situation.
Tragic or traumatizing events
In times of community or world-wide crisis, it's easy to assume that young children don't know what's going on. But one thing's for sure -- children are very sensitive to how their parents feel. They're aware of the expressions, worries and tone of their parents' voices. No matter what children know about a “crisis,” it’s especially scary for children to realize that their parents are scared.
Race and Racism
Children are never too young to learn about diversity. As parents and caregivers, we must have confidence in ourselves and in our children — that we, and they, can handle tough topics and tough situations. Our role is to be honest, specific, and trustworthy as we raise the next generation to confront racial injustice. Here you can find tips and resources to help you have a meaningful conversation with your children about race, racism, and being anti-racist.
Mental Health
According the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI), one in five young adults is dealing with mental illness, but as many as half are struggling in silence. We all have reasons why it’s hard to reach out. Maybe you’ve tried before and been burned by a reaction that wasn’t helpful. Maybe you think you can’t find the words to describe what you’re feeling. The thought of sharing what you’re going through can feel scary, but the benefits far outweigh the cost.