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 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.