Offering Comfort in Scary Times
Ways to comfort children through scary times.
Watch the video together and let kids know it’s good to ask questions about the [scary or confusing] things happening around them. Here are more ways you can offer your child comfort:
- Give your child a comfort item like a stuffed animal or blanket.
- Hold hands and snuggle often.
- Choose one routine you can all count on to continue even when your situation or location has changed, such as the same lullaby every night, or observing the shape of the moon before bed.
- Look for the “helpers.” Focus on all the people around you working to make things better.
- “Belly breathe!” Put your hands on your bellies and take three deep breaths in and out, feeling your bellies rise and fall. Put a stuffed animal on your child’s belly and have them “rock it to sleep” as they breathe.
- Try to prevent children from seeing disturbing images on television or online.
We’re Not Alone
A music video on the power of community connections.
1, 2, 3, Color Me
Sitting quietly and coloring together is a stress-reliever for adults and children alike.
I Don’t Want to Live on the Moon
A song about the power of human connections.
Trauma and the Body
An article on the effects of violence on children.
I Can Stay Safe
It’s important for children to know several people they can turn to when something goes wrong.
Using These Resources: Violence
Article about the Sesame Street Community & Gun Violence initiative.
Community Conversation: Community Violence
Many communities are unfortunately impacted by community violence, but there are people and organizations striving to help. You can, too!
