As parents, our deepest desire is to shield our children from harm, to create a safe haven where their imaginations can flourish, and their happiness can bubble freely.
But in today’s interconnected world, where news travels at the speed of light and graphic images are just a scroll away and often on every channel, keeping our little/ young ones truly sheltered feels increasingly impossible.
From the unsettling headlines of distant wars to the alarming realities of climate change and even heart-breaking local accidents involving children, the world can feel like a scary tricky place. And for our young children, who are still discovering life, developing their understanding of reality and danger, this incessant negative news can be profoundly overwhelming, triggering fear and anxiety that manifests in myriad ways.
SO, HOW DO WE, AS PARENTS IN INDIA, NAVIGATE THIS ROCKY TERRAIN?
How do we discuss these tricky topics at home – without crushing their spirits or instilling a constant sense of dread?
It’s a delicate balance, but one we must consciously strive for, especially when we consider appropriate communication & reflections and leverage the power of spiritual grounding to steady our own and our children’s emotional landscapes.
The Unseen Burden: How Grim News Impacts Young Children
It’s tempting to think that young children aren’t paying attention, or that they won’t understand.
But even seemingly innocuous exposure can seep into their developing minds.
MISINTERPRETATION AND EXAGGERATION: Young children often struggle to differentiate between what’s happening far away and what’s happening in their immediate surroundings. A war on TV might feel like it’s unfolding in their own city, or a reported accident might make them fear similar harm for themselves or their loved ones.
And sadly, Replays on news channels can make it seem like an event is happening over and over again, intensifying their distress.
EMOTIONAL CONTAGION: Children are incredibly attuned to our emotions. If we are stressed, anxious, or fearful while consuming news or during any dialogue, they will pick up on those cues, even if they don’t fully grasp the content.
SLEEP DISTURBANCES AND BEHAVIORAL CHANGES: Increased anxiety can manifest as difficulty sleeping, nightmares, cleanliness, irritability, changes in appetite, or even regression in behaviors like bed-wetting.
DESENSITIZATION (OR OVERWHELM): Constant exposure to disturbing images can either lead to a numbing effect, where they become less empathetic, or an overwhelming sense of helplessness. Neither is desirable.
OUR PARENTAL PLAYBOOK: STRATEGIES FOR COMPASSIONATE NAVIGATION
So, how do we equip our children with resilience without burying our heads in the sand?
Here are some strategies, interwoven with the wisdom of age old proven spiritual principles that have worked across the annals of time & history:
1. Be the Gatekeeper (and the Filter):
- Limit Exposure: This is perhaps the most crucial step. Young children simply do not need to be exposed to 24/7 news cycles. Be mindful of background noise from TVs, radios, and even your own phone scrolling. Create “news-free zones” and times in your home, especially around meal times and bedtime. This creates a sanctuary for their minds.
- Pre-screen if Possible: If you need to stay informed, try to do so when your children are not around, or use reliable news sources that are less sensational. Remember, you are the first line of defence for their inner peace.
- Explain and Contextualize: If they do catch a snippet, don’t ignore it. Pause the TV or put down your phone and address it directly. Frame it within a larger spiritual context, if appropriate for your beliefs, perhaps by saying, “Sometimes challenging things happen in the world, but there’s always goodness and light too.”
2. Open the Door for Conversation (on Their Terms):
- Ask and Listen: Instead of launching into a detailed explanation, empathise & start by asking: “What have you heard about [topic]?” or “I understand – but tell me how does that make you feel?” This allows you to gauge their understanding and address their specific worries, not yours.
- Keep it Age-Appropriate: Use simple, direct language. For pre-schoolers, focus on broad concepts like “some people are fighting far away, but we are safe here.” For older children, you can offer a bit more detail but avoid graphic descriptions. Reassure them that divine protection is always at play, and even in troubled times there are forces of good that protect us all even when things seem difficult.
- Validate Their Feelings: Empathise. “It’s okay to feel sad/scared/confused when you hear about these things.” Disregarding or Dismissing their emotions can make them feel unheard and alone. Emphasize that these feelings are natural, and we can find strength by overcoming difficulties and through our inner spirit.
- Reassure, Reassure, Reassure: Emphasize their safety and your role in protecting them. “We are here to keep you safe.” “Many grown-ups around the world are working to help.” You can also reinforce the idea that a higher power is watching over everyone, guiding them towards goodness.
3. Focus on the Helpers, the Hope, and Divine Grace:
- Spotlight Positive Action: For every negative story, try to find a counter-narrative of people helping, solving problems, or working towards peace. Talk about doctors, aid workers, scientists, and everyday heroes. This instills a sense of hope and agency. Remind them that goodness exists everywhere and is always striving to overcome challenges.
- Empower Them Through Action (Even Small): Can they draw a picture for someone far away? Donate a toy? Collect old newspapers for recycling to help the environment? Even small acts of kindness or environmental consciousness can give them a sense of control and purpose. Connect these actions to the idea of being a force for good in the world, a reflection of the positive spiritual energy within them.
- Trust in a Higher Plan: Without dismissing reality, gently introduce the concept that while we don’t understand everything, there’s often a larger purpose or divine plan at play. This can help children release the burden of worrying about things beyond their control, fostering a sense of surrender and trust.
4. Reinforce Routine, Stability, and Living in the Present Moment:
- Predictability is Key: In a world that feels unpredictable, maintaining consistent routines at home – mealtimes, bedtimes, playtime – provides a sense of security and normalcy that calms anxious minds. This also teaches them the value of living in the present, focusing on the comfort and joy of the “now” rather than fearing the “what ifs.” In a nutshell – plan for the future with a sense of purpose, but focus on today.
- Prioritize Play and Mindfulness: Unstructured play is vital for children to process emotions and make sense of their world. Encourage them to be fully present in their play. Introduce simple mindfulness techniques, like focusing on their breath or the sounds around them, to help them anchor themselves in the present moment and release anxieties about the unknown future.
- Introduce examples from history: talk about some historical times in the past, when similar tricky times were followed by better & good times – thereby introducing “hope and comfort” that the older ones have navigated such times in the past.
5. Look After Yourself and Cultivate Inner Peace:
- Manage Your Own Anxiety: Children are sponges. If you are constantly overwhelmed by the news, or fearful yourself, they will sense it. Take breaks from media, engage in self-care, and discuss your own concerns with other adults, not in front of your children. Lean into your own spiritual practices – meditation, prayer, chanting, or simply spending time in nature – to find your own center.
- Model Resilience and Trust: try to share examples of difficult times you may have overcome from your own life. Show them how you cope with challenging information, how you find hope, and how you take positive steps. Demonstrate your faith in good spiritual forces, that good pervades the universe too and your belief that even in adversity, there is strength and guidance available. Teach them that focusing on doing good for others is a powerful antidote to personal worry.
The world has and will always present challenges; history also teaches us that – and even though these times may sometimes seem trickier.
Our role isn’t to create a bubble, but to provide our children with the tools and emotional strength to navigate it. By being mindful media consumers, compassionate listeners, and consistent sources of love, hope and reassurance, underpinned by a faith in good spiritual forces, a focus on living in the present, and a commitment of our purpose & in doing good for others, we can help our young ones grow into resilient, empathetic, and hopeful individuals, ready to face the world with courage and kindness, trusting that the unknown future will unfold as it should.
What are your experiences in helping your children navigate difficult news dear parents, and how have you handled such conversations?
Do share your insights and strategies in the comments below.
We hope this helps you, dear parent!
Meanwhile enjoy developing your child at a good neighborhood school, home and outdoors
There are some great parks/green spots/sports fields near at as well near our school campuses – consider locating a suitable one in your neighborhood, for encouraging physical activity – the seeds of any sports – near say:
- SouthCity1
- Sector31
- Sector40
- Sushant Lok
- Sector72
- Sector70
- Sectot71
- Sector48
- Badshahpur corridor*
- Leisure Valley
(*) which is right next to the Sixth Element – Tata Primanti campus – and the trees near our school’s north/east boundary – help filter our school campus air, too.
Why – the Sixth Element School?
The Sixth Element was a phrase coined by the school founders 20 years back to illustrate igniting the joy of learning – crucial for children’s development – as we nurture and prepare them for the future.
How to Foster a Well-Rounded Child?
While there is lots of operating structure and detailed SOPs in the school’s daily /weekly/monthly/annual – schedules – “how” the same is executed is unique – i.e., the Sixth element way of incorporating co-curricular & scientific & artistic activities, project work etc – leading to children enjoy learning & look forward to coming to school each day (and interestingly they do miss school on holidays 😊 ! )
Some examples of what’s done to instill values & character building:
- Instill values: Understanding differences between right and wrong is often discussed in its many facets. Discussing environmental issues, volunteering for community activities, clean-ups, and respecting all living beings.
- Values as a Compass: Values are the moral principles that guide our actions. The Cambridge International Curriculum emphasizes global citizenship and community service and fosters values like respect, empathy, and responsibility.
- Embrace sustainability: Reduce waste, conserve energy, and grow your food together. Encouraging minimalism (BTW, we are a uniform school), upcycling, gardening, and exploring green technologies like rainwater harvesting, recycling, etc.
- Building Confidence: The curriculum’s focus on individual & team achievement (over experiential projects in small groups) and overcoming difficulties – and making progress, encouraged by the teacher, helps build self-esteem. Students develop a strong sense of confidence and resilience by setting and achieving goals.
- Life Skills for Real World: The curriculum’s focus on independent learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving equips students with essential life skills. These skills are invaluable in navigating challenges and opportunities- building confidence.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT’ School’s commitment to sustainability?
At the Sixth Element, we believe that education should go beyond classrooms. Our green, airy, spacious campuses are a living laboratory where children learn experimentally about sustainable practices. From solar panels to rainwater harvesting, recycling & near no plastics usage.
Our curriculum integrates sustainability into every subject, fostering a deep appreciation for nature, science, commerce & the arts – while instilling a desire to protect our planet.
By igniting the joy of learning and nurturing curiosity, confidence, values, and environmental consciousness – we empower children to become successful individuals and equally responsible members of society and global citizens.
Does a unique International Curriculum School like the Sixth Element help?
A progressive holistic school following Cambridge International Curriculum significantly contributes to lots of experiential learning and project-based work.
The Sixth Element School: Where Cambridge International meets India- in an exclusive, low-density, impactful format.
The reason why we chose the Cambridge International curriculum is that the blend of teacher-directed as well as learner-self-driven learning & research seems to be relevant for aspirational kids from Indian families, keen on preparing their kids to be global citizens of the future – whether based in India or overseas.
Is the Sixth Element School duly registered with Cambridge International?
Yes, The Sixth Element School – is duly registered as one of over 10,000 schools globally – as a Cambridge International school with a global registration number IA 892
Keen to see what a unique school like The Sixth Element School offers? Schedule a visit and see why it could be the perfect launchpad for your child’s bright, global future!
We started the first sixth element school 20 years back in 2004 @ Gurgaon.
Our schools & afternoon extended school & afternoon’ activities enriched’ daycare centres are unique, exclusive, compact neighborhood green campuses – where many outdoor activities & experiential learning (physical – not digital) occur with children on most days.
Our unique Smaller campus – with only two sections per class grade – and minimal children on campus allow us to focus on each child’s growth & development properly.
We are proud of our high-quality, committed teachers – the backbone of any good learning environment.
We raise well-rounded future ready individuals who are prepared to face the challenges of the world with confidence and integrity – with the proper methods and practices. For example, our foundational fitness program delivered in partnership with fit Kids, our gym, our green playgrounds and great coaches gives our school kids a great foundational fitness start.
A good understanding and partnership between parents and schools is key to nurturing the future leaders of gurugram, our great nation and planet.
THE SIXTH ELEMENT SCHOOL WE BELIEVE IN THE IMPORTANCE OF CATALYSING & ENSURING “THE SIXTH ELEMENT – i.e. THE JOY OF LEARNING ” FOR EVERY CHILD. OUR CURRICULUM IS BENCHMARKED WITH THE BEST INTERNATIONALLY WHILE DRAWING FROM OUR VERY OWN CORE ANCIENT INDIAN BEST PRACTICES SUCH AS THE GURU SHISHYA PARAMPARA) & VALUES. THANKS TO ITS 20+ YEARS OF EXPERIENCE AND ITS CORE CHILD DEVELOPMENT PRACTICES DRAWN FROM PIAGET, VYGOSTKY AND BRUNER – WHICH IS INCIDENTALLY THE RESOURCE POOL – FOR THE FOUNDATIONAL YEARS SCHOOL CURRICULUM OF THE UPGRADED NEW EDUCATION (NEP) UNDER ROLLOUT IN INDIA NOW.
So, in line with some of India’s top and the best globally, we are now a unique 100% Cambridge International School.
the Sixth Element School
the schoolchildren love
SOUTH CITY 1. TATA PRIMANTI (sector 72)
85272-74695 or 97736-32626
since 2004(20 years)
Limited enrollment available in pre-NURSERY, NURSERY, KG & DAYCARE, grade 1 now – in our prenursery to K12 school programs.
@ Gurgaon’s only single-section “exclusive” boutique VENTILATED, AIRY, SPACIOUS. GREEN SCHOOL CAMPUSES
