Talking to Children about Terrorism

Resource Details

Terrorist attacks in the United States and around the world evoke strong emotions and questions in all of us.

For some, these events—which are typically broadcast widely and often with explicit imagery—can elicit emotions long forgotten. For others, these emotions are being felt for the first time. Attending to these reactions, while also conveying information about an event to our children and students, is no easy task.

The following tips have been prepared to provide broad guidelines to help you in these conversations. They are meant as a starting point. See the links below for other resources that can provide additional guidance.

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DISCLAIMER: The information and resources listed on this site are for general informational and educational purposes only.  They are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or medical advice, and are not meant to replace the advice or counsel of a qualified professional. The inclusion of any third-party resources or links does not imply endorsement or guarantee of any organization, program, service, information, or outcome. The information and resources do not constitute any medical diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Please consult your child’s physician or other trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.

©2026 Ronald McDonald House® Northeast Ohio. All Rights Reserved.

The following trademarks are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald House Logo, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Ronald McDonald House® Northeast Ohio is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio determination letter is available upon request.

Looking for more?

Search the full resource database.

DISCLAIMER: The information and resources listed on this site are for general informational and educational purposes only.  They are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or medical advice, and are not meant to replace the advice or counsel of a qualified professional. The inclusion of any third-party resources or links does not imply endorsement or guarantee of any organization, program, service, information, or outcome. The information and resources do not constitute any medical diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Please consult your child’s physician or other trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.

©2026 Ronald McDonald House® Northeast Ohio. All Rights Reserved.

The following trademarks are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald House Logo, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Ronald McDonald House® Northeast Ohio is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio determination letter is available upon request.

Looking for more?

Search the full resource database.

DISCLAIMER: The information and resources listed on this site are for general informational and educational purposes only.  They are not intended to be, and should not be interpreted as legal, financial, or medical advice, and are not meant to replace the advice or counsel of a qualified professional. The inclusion of any third-party resources or links does not imply endorsement or guarantee of any organization, program, service, information, or outcome. The information and resources do not constitute any medical diagnosis or treatment recommendations. Please consult your child’s physician or other trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.

©2026 Ronald McDonald House® Northeast Ohio. All Rights Reserved.

The following trademarks are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald House Logo, Ronald McDonald Family Room and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.

Ronald McDonald House® Northeast Ohio is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Northeast Ohio determination letter is available upon request.