Helping Children to Cope
Our children are looking for guidance during these traumatic times. We need to offer them alternatives to protests and rallies.
Alternatives:
1
2
3
Active listening, holding back judgement.
Validate their feelings.
Once you have listened,ِ repeatِ what you have heard.
4
Ask. If they have questions, try to answer their questions patiently and with calm. It’s okay to say, “Let’s find out together.”
Explain the situation simply using language according to age, maturity, and comprehension.
Consider the words you use. Do not express yourself using negative words that may convey fear or make them fearful.
As difficult as it may be, do not engage or expose them to political discussion, venting and demonizing other people or different sides of the conflict.
Keep them engaged by maintaining stability with regular routines, after-school programs, and healthy social activities. (See resource list).
Give them hope. Offer reminders to put their trust in Allah, be hopeful of Allah’s justice.
Offer prayer and make Duas (supplication) together.
Build resiliency by taking breaks to recharge individually and as a family.
Model self-confidence by keeping calm and expressing your trust in Allah that things will improve, Insha Allah.
5
6
7
8
9
10
11
12
