What to say to kids when the news is scary
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The news can be devastating: Communities are reeling after a mass shooting killed 21 people — including 19 children — at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas. That's after a shooter, motivated by a racist conspiracy theory, shot and killed 10 people at a grocery store in Buffalo, N.Y., and another shooter in Dallas injured three women of Asian descent in what the police chief called "a hate crime."
These events can be incomprehensible for adults — so how do we talk about them with kids?
We spoke with a handful of child development experts about what parents, teachers and other caregivers can say to help kids process all the scary news out there.
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DISCLAIMER: The resources listed on this site are not meant to replace medical advice or the consultation of your child’s physician or care team. Please consult a trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.
The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. determination letter is available upon request.
©2026 Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Looking for More?
Search the full resource database.
DISCLAIMER: The resources listed on this site are not meant to replace medical advice or the consultation of your child’s physician or care team. Please consult a trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.
The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. determination letter is available upon request.
©2026 Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.
Looking for More?
Search the full resource database.
DISCLAIMER: The resources listed on this site are not meant to replace medical advice or the consultation of your child’s physician or care team. Please consult a trusted medical professional before making any medical care decisions for yourself or your child.
The following trademarks used herein are owned by McDonald’s Corporation and its affiliates; McDonald’s, Ronald McDonald House Charities, Ronald McDonald House Charities Logo, Ronald McDonald House, Ronald McDonald Family Room, and Ronald McDonald Care Mobile.
Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. is recognized as a public charity under Internal Revenue Code section 509(a) and has 501(c)(3) status. Donations to Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. are deductible. Donors should consult their tax advisor for questions regarding deductibility. The Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. EIN is 34-1269123. A copy of the Ronald McDonald House Charities® of Northeast Ohio, Inc. determination letter is available upon request.
©2026 Ronald McDonald House of Northeast Ohio, Inc. All Rights Reserved.