Yesterday, news broke about a landslide in Darjeeling triggered by heavy rains, destroying several homes and people losing their lives.

These are the kind of stories that stay with you, even after you scroll past the headlines. Now, the first question that disturbs you here is, “Does my child need to know?”

As a parent, your first instinct is to protect your child from it all, and there’s nothing wrong with that thought. It’s totally fine to be protective about your child’s mental well-being. But deep down, even you know you can’t hide it as they will get the catch of it from somewhere, and if the kids are big enough, they will pick up from your conversations at home.

Why Talking About It Is Important?

Not talking to them at all also has its consequences. Since they don’t know what has actually happened, they often imagine things that are worse than the truth.

That’s why many child psychologists suggest not completely hiding bad news but discussing it in a way that fits your child’s age and emotional level.

For example, with younger kids, you can keep it simple and tell them something like “There was a landslide far away, but we’re safe.”

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With older kids or teenagers, it’s better to ask them what they’ve heard. This will help you frame your words accordingly. 

Remember, you don’t have to explain every detail; just being open helps them feel supported. You don’t need to give them the whole picture. Provide enough information so they don’t feel confused or left out.

Now, there are some kids who don’t seem interested or don’t ask many questions. That doesn’t mean they’re not thinking about it. Sometimes, they just need more time. 

So What Can Parents Do?

You don’t have to push the topic. You could say something simple like,

"You might hear some things at school or online. If that confuses you or makes you feel strange, you can talk to us”. That one sentence makes them feel comfortable coming to you when they don’t feel good.

So, is it okay to shield your kids? Yes, to an extent. Actually, it’s about balance. You need to protect their innocence, but at the same time, also build their emotional strength. They just need to know that they have someone to talk to and that they are safe.

Sometimes, that’s all they really need.