What type of fear does this advice address?
Fear of injury, illness, or death
Fears about safety

Please describe your child's fear and how it is manifested:
Sometimes my child can be upset by things he hears on the radio or television news, even if he didn't appear to be paying attention. He becomes afraid that what he sees or hears could happen to us.

How did/are you help(ing) your child learn to overcome this fear?
I think the best thing to do is turn off the news and be careful about what you discuss in front of your kids, especially younger ones. If your child is disturbed by a news story about a shooting or bad accident, you need to let him know that bad things do happen in the world, but not as often as television can make it appear. Take the time to talk about what makes him afraid when he hears about this type of news. Share your feelings and concerns about these events and emphasize the ways you help keep him safe.

Let him know that you understand what he's feeling, and then remind him of the good things that happen each day.

Please add any additional comments or suggestions:
It's okay to protect your kids from some of the harsh realities of the world. These realities will catch up with them soon enough.

This advice is most appropriate for children in...
Preschool and Younger
Elementary School