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What to tell your kids when they ask, “Why do bad things happen in the world?”
What to tell your kids when they ask, “Why do bad things happen in the world?”

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Many of us have heard of the recent terrorist attacks that occurred at the Brussels airport in in Brussels, Belgium.
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#Bruxelles L'hommage de Plantu https://t.co/sBBY9mGViE pic.twitter.com/WNoXNAwCUT
— Le Monde (@lemondefr) March 22, 2016 -
This is just on of the many attacks that have occurred around the globe this year.
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In the face of hatred we must decide to chose love instead. My thoughts + prayers are with you, #Brussels. ? #Peace pic.twitter.com/69mUSZIbnD
— Tyler Blackburn (@tylerjblackburn) March 22, 2016 -
With all this conflict, your children are bound to be exposed to images or stories of people suffering and dying at the hands of frightening terrorist groups.
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So what do you say when your children ask, "Why do bad things happen in the world?"
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Obviously there is no simple answer, but here are a few tips to help ease their fears.
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Acknowledge their fears
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When discussing frightening events with your children, address their fears and let them know it's ok to be scared.
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However, after you acknowledge their fear point out that scary things happen everyday, and we need to go on with our lives having the hope and the courage that good things still frequently happen and there are good people in the world.
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Limit the exposure
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With so much media exposure daily, even small children are bound to see frightening events or occurrences.
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As a parent you can't always prevent this from happening, but in your own home you can monitor what they are and aren't exposed to. Understand that young children cannot process certain events and it can actually harm them, so it is important to be mindful of this.
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My heart goes out to everyone in #Brussels . ? Sending condolences and positives thoughts ❤️?? pic.twitter.com/xcYPi3MIXY
— Team Orange (@TeamOITNB) March 22, 2016 -
Promote Hope
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Your children look to you and your reaction to the world around you. In these situations you can be an example of hope and faith that things can and will get better.
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You can teach your children that they cannot solve all of the worlds ills, but they can make it better by treating others with kindness and respect, and donating their time and strength to good causes that help those effected by tragedy.
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We never want our children to have to deal with these sorts of events, but sometimes they, and we, are forced to confront them.
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We can be an example to these children and show them that no matter what happens in the world, we can always be a force for good.
Tamsyn Valentine
Tamsyn Valentine is part of the content team at FamilyShare.com. She graduated with a degree in communication with an emphasis in public relations and journalism.

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