Helping Preschoolers Cope with Scary Events
We can’t prevent scary events from happening, but we can do our best to know what and how much information our children are being exposed to about the events. Children are often frightened by uncertainty, change, and adult emotional responses.
The following tips help children cope during scary times:
Take Good Care of Yourself
Children are always watching and learning from adults around them. It shows them what is acceptable and what is not. Consider the impact of the scary event on yourself and notice the response you are having in your thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. It is okay to also be challenged by the event or situation, but giving yourself the time you need to manage your own responses will not only help you, but set an example for your children to handle the current situation and future situations they encounter”
Emotion Coaching – Label, Empathize And Problem-Solve (LEAPS)
When we notice changes in children’s behavior it is often the result of emotions that they are working through. Preschool children often lack the words to express their feelings and thoughts. Using a strategy called Emotion Coaching, adults can help children understand and respond to their feelings in a healthy and helpful way.
Try these steps:
Notice and Label feelings – “It sounds like you are feeling __.”
Empathize with your child to help them know their feelings are ok and that you care – “It’s normal/ok to feel _ when _.”
And Problem Solve – help your child come up with solutions or ideas – “I wonder if it would help to _ or to _.”
Building Resilience in Challenging Times
Consider these ideas:
Preschoolers & Sibling Rivalry
Preschoolers & Parenting Styles
Preschoolers & Moderation
Preschoolers & Focus on DO
