10/14/2023
Thank you to everyone who texted this morning after seeing me on the news. If you missed it here are some hot takes. The quickest and most important take away is your kids probably don’t need the answers to the questions they have about Isreal and Hamas. Most importantly they need to be reassured they are safe, loved and important. Answer their questions and ease their mind by giving them that comfort. If they need more follow this plan…
1) S.T.O.P.
Stop, think, organize, proceed.
2) Stop: pause to calm your own thoughts and feelings. Model emotional regulation.
3) Think: think about your child’s age, emotional maturity, what they have heard and from where, what are your family values, experiences and phrases that have meaning.
4) Organize: ask your kids what they know or what they’ve heard, ask what questions they have but let them know it may take time for you to compile worthy answers, talk to other parents and professionals, set aside time to talk to your kids individually or together based on their ages, need.
5) Proceed: proceed with talking about the issue, don’t assume it’s “one and done,” some kids may require more and give times to revisit it, others less. In the event a child is exhibiting symptoms long after the initial intensity continue to monitor for disruption to activities, mood, sleep, patterns and then make arrangements as necessary such as following up with a therapist or doctor or school.
