How to talk to children about terrorism: Expert advice

BIRMINGHAM, Ala. (WBRC) - In the wake of the reported terror attacks in Louisiana and Las Vegas, parents may find themselves struggling to address difficult questions from their children. Clinical psychologist Dr. Josh Klapow offers guidance on how to navigate these conversations while maintaining a sense of stability for young ones.

Dr. Klapow emphasizes that the approach should vary based on the child’s age. For younger children, especially those under five, he advises shielding them from the details entirely.

“What we say to a 5-6-year-old is going to be very different than a 10 to 12-year-old,” said Dr. Klapow. “I would even say as young as maybe five or younger, they probably don’t need to know about any of it.”

For older children who may have already been exposed to information about the events, Dr. Klapow stresses the importance of honesty while acknowledging that it’s okay to admit not having all the answers. Above all, parents should prioritize remaining calm, as their emotional state often has a profound impact on their children.

“What your child needs to know from age four to 24 is that you’re ok, at least emotionally,” he explained. “You can be upset, but if you’re not stable, that’s the message that gets communicated through—probably more so than any of the words.”

Dr. Klapow also offers advice for adults who may be struggling to process these events themselves. He encourages finding someone to talk to, but he warns against using social media as an outlet.

“If it’s kind of eating you up, find an outlet and don’t let that outlet be social media. That’s not the place to go. It is better to connect one-on-one,” he said.

For those who lack a trusted confidant, Dr. Klapow suggests reaching out to a mental health professional for support.

In uncertain times, clear communication and emotional stability can help families navigate challenging conversations while providing a sense of security for children.

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