We might feel news today is too graphic and complicated for our little ones to comprehend, but it is important for your child to understand and accept the community they lives in. Children are sensitive by nature but are also able to understand information well when explained in a manner they can relate to. The world is a changing place and it is important for your child to grasp all it has to offer.
Show pictures
Children respond better to pictures rather than text. If you ask your child to read a small article or to listen to the news with you, it might be a tall order. Instead show images of the topic you wish to discuss and let your child make their own conclusions. For example, while taking about the current split between Qatar and other countries, you can show your child images of Rulers of these Countries and the geographical location of these places. You can also show them historical images, or take them to a museum to understand the past and compare it with present situations. Do not show graphic images that might disturb your child and be objective in your explanations.
Ask Questions
Find out what your child thinks about events, sometimes their responses might be simple and silly, but offer a listening ear. Ask them how they would handle a similar situation. For example, if you talk about a place struck by a natural disaster, show pictures of the destruction, while teaching your child values like being compassionate to others in need or appreciating all they have. Ask them what they would do to save themselves, do a similar role-play scenario by pretending to be locked up while sharing survival tips with your child. A child equipped with practical knowledge is more likely to be able to handle a situation on their own.
Filter information
Choose wisely what news you wish to share with your child. Your child will process the information in ways u might not have anticipated, so be prepared to answer questions they might have. The information you share needs to be something that they can relate to and understand. You can tell them only important parts and leave out the rest, talking about the dip in the stock market or politics is futile, but discussing progress in science or inventions is fun and intriguing for a child.
Be sensitive
Le your child understand the idea of empathy for fellow human beings. It is ok for them to be sad, allow your child an appropriate response to unfortunate events. Reciprocate the same emotions and help your child learn about being proactive. For example, if you talk about poverty ridden countries, ask your child what they would like to do to help them out. Visit a local charity and donate items. Let your child experience the ability to make a difference.
Do not sugarcoat
If you feel a topic might be too heavy for your child, skip it. Do not give them wrong information to keep them happy. For example, if your child asks about how situations are in a war struck region, do not tell them tales that are too good to be true. Give them facts and help them understand that bad things happen sometimes and they need to find a way to overcome them. Show them a positive outlook while still being realistic.
If your children are age-appropriate it is important to make them informed citizens of the world equipped them with the power of knowledge.
- Sanobar Mistry is a published journalist and currently a kindergarten teacher in Dubai
