No Shortage of Questions: Talking With Your Child About Scary News and World Events

Where You Are | S4 E6 | March 1, 2023

In the last few years we've had no shortage of disturbing news and big, scary world events be it pandemics, social injustices, war, climate change issues like wildfires, floods and more. In this minisode, Bryn and Char bring questions from BC parents and caregivers to Dr. Ashley Miller, child psychiatrist and family therapist. They dig into questions including: How can I talk to my child about scary news and tragic events without inciting worry or fear? How much information should I share when I talk with my kids about scary news and how honest should I be? Are there skills I can teach my child to help manage the stress or worry they might feel when they hear or talk about scary news? And much more.

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Episode Resources

Kelty website: Mindfulness for Children and Youth
App: Breathr - free app that provides ways to get started with mindfulness
Online tool: Stresslr - for kids ages 9-11 to learn about stress and healthy ways to manage it including belly breathing and muscle relaxation

Guest Bios

Dr. Ashley Miller

Child and Adolescent Psychiatrist

Dr. Ashley Miller is a child psychiatrist and family therapist at BC Children's Hospital and Clinical Associate Professor at UBC. She is a passionate advocate for family and caregiver involvement in the mental health treatment of children and youth and the co-author of "What to Say to Kids When Nothing Seems to Work: A practical guide for parents and caregivers."

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