This year is flying by, and it’s hard to believe that we’re already about halfway through the 11th month!
It seems like just yesterday we were turning on our TVs to news that fires were ravaging the city of Los Angeles right at the start of this year, in early January.
As a former classroom teacher and school principal, I remember that when difficult things happened in the past, I was often tasked with speaking to our students about them.
In fact, I was a school principal in March 2020, and we all know what that time was like!
If you are a classroom teacher, parent, or someone with young children in your life, you may want to support them amidst what’s happening in the world, but you don’t know where to start.
I want to share a few tips that have helped me have tough conversations around what’s happening in the world today:
- Use the child’s language and start with what they already know
In my experience, kids already know what’s going on, due to many having access to smartphones and other devices, even if they don’t own one themselves! You would be surprised to know that even a child as young as a first or second grader (probably around 6 or 7 years old) is possibly aware that there is a government shutdown going on right now.
While they may not know what all the adults around them are talking about, they know something is up when things happen in the world and they pop up on the news.
Some good questions to start a productive conversation are, “What did you hear happened?” and “What do you understand or think about it?”
That’s a great place to start.
Then explain what is happening in the simplest language possible (based on their age, of course). The truth is, kids are watching, and it’s important to stay connected to them and let them know you’re here to support their well-being.
2. Invite their feelings and questions, take time to listen, and then offer whatever reassurance is possible
Look, none of us knows the future or how certain news stories may resolve. But we can allow space in our classrooms and homes for students to question, explore, share fears and anxiety, and feel supported.
I remember leading a school during the pandemic as a principal, and one thing I tried to emphasize every time I spoke with both students and parents alike was that we are all going through it together! And also that their feelings of sadness, loneliness, and disappointment about school events being cancelled or having to be done differently were valid.
3. Focus on the choices we can all make and what we can control
This is a great skill to teach children from a young age. Most adults I know could benefit from this reminder, too!
In order to cope with our rapidly changing world, we have to focus on what is in our control.
We can choose to be grateful daily. When the news scares us, we can choose to prioritize our families, friends, and community, and spend time making them a better place. Within the classroom, it may even be helpful to think of ways your school can impact what’s happening in the world. I’ve heard of an elementary school close to me holding a larger food drive than normal, with bigger goals for the number of cans they want to collect than they have in previous Novembers. This is their response to hearing that food assistance benefits are in jeopardy for a large part of the community that they care about.
If you’re reading this, it’s probably because you have children in your life that you care about. Let me assure you, if you lead with love, curiosity, and support, you will be off to a great start with tough conversations.
I’m not saying that it will always be easy,
but by golly, it is always worth it.
Your friend,
Vimbo
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Vimbo Watson, M.Ed. is a speaker, professional development provider, education expert, former school principal, and national speaker on school culture, burnout recovery, and transformational leadership. She is also an active Navy spouse, named the AFI 2025 Washington Navy Yard Spouse of the Year. She helps educators, companies, and organizations build better systems where people don’t just survive—they thrive. Email hello@vimbowatson.com to connect!
