How to Talk to Your Children about the Protests & Riots

2020 has been an incredibly stressful year.

The Coronavirus Pandemic by itself has been a massive life-changer that continues to impact people's lives and businesses. And now, with the social unrest in our society following the deaths of black Americans such as George Floyd, Breonna Taylor, and others, it seems like we are going from one stressor to another.

"As we know, chronic stress and anxiety is not good for our mental health and even breaks down and lowers our immune system," says Hannah Comeaux, Licensed Professional Counselor and Marriage and Family Therapist.

So, how do we talk with our children about these issues - the protests and the rioting, which are two separate things that are sometimes lumped together? It's become such a prevalent part of our society and children look for guidance on these things. Hannah Comeaux points out the importance of having a healthy relationship with your child, especially during these stressful times.

"Children are resilient. The more positive relationships and influences they have in their lives, the more it will help them to grow and flourish."

Talking to your kids about the current events is important, but it can also be hard to have these difficult conversations. Hannah Comeaux says, as parents deal with all of the anxiety and stress brought about by current events, it is important for parents to model the appropriate response to it and to use these times as teachable moments for them.

She offers some tips for dealing with the stress of today's current events and how to address them with your kids.