As violence erupted in Charlottesville, Va., Saturday, with three killed and dozens injured at one of the largest white nationalist rallies in a decade, TV screens and newsfeeds across America were filled with images of chaos and terror.
While politicians including Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti and Senator Dianne Feinstein reacted by condemning the attacks, calling for "hope and prayers for peace" and reminders that "violent acts of hate and bigotry have no place in America", parents seeing the news were faced with a dilemma that's becoming an increasing concern for American families: if, and how, to talk about violence and racism with their children.
Mental health experts and parents discussed their experiences Saturday, and shared advice for talking to children about the violence in Charlottesville. Here are their tips:
1.Talk with your kids, but educate yourself first
2. Treat children according to their age
3. Turn the TV off
4. Ask them questions, and answers theirs
5. Show them they have agency in the world
6. Take a historical view
7. Avoid "we don't see color"
8. Teach them where to get the news
9. Take a break and give them some love
To read more definitive information on each suggestion, please read Sonali Kohli's article HERE!
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