How To Talk To Your Kids About The Boston Marathon Bombings

The Boston Marathon bombings is an event that can be exceptionally difficult for children to understand. With news agencies running images and coverage nonstop, children and teens are easily influenced and can take in the wrong information.

To help parents discuss the bombings with their children, Dr. Gerald Costa, director of Montclair State University's Center for Autism and Early Childhood Mental Health, offers these tips. 

• Events like the Boston Marathon bombings can lead adults to become more anxious and vigilant, and these feelings can be transmitted to infants and children through gestures, pacing, interactions and words.  Adults need to monitor their own states and help children to feel safe.  If a parent is too anxious or reactive, the child is likely to become so as well.

• Monitor the images and reports with children. For infants and young children, limit exposure to the media and shut off the TV, particularly as the images and descriptions of what happened to the victims are often quite graphic. 

With older children, aged 7 and older, who may hear and see reports about the bombings, sit and watch limited reports with them and answer their questions plainly with what they need to know.

Again, avoid interpretations or attributions to "types" or "classes" of people, assure them that those who were injured are being helped, and that they are safe. Constantly reassure your children that even though bad things can happen, these are exceedingly rare and they are safe with you. 

• "Feel with" your child, so their emotions are shared and validated, and be sure to support the child's ability to stay calm and regulated, through regular routines. 

• Allow children to "tell their story," correct errors and offer plain explanations about what you know.  

• Talk with your child's teachers to see if the center or school will be speaking with the children about these events and ask the educators for resources.

• Contact the Montclair State Univesrity center and other similar programs for any information or concerns about your child.

Montclair State University is located at 1 Normal Ave. For more information about programs and classes, call (973) 655-4000 or visit the university's website.