And this is taking a toll on all of us, including our children. The American Psychological Association released a statement this week warning that consuming violent and traumatic news can in and of itself negatively affect our mental health. “Psychological science tells us that fear, anxiety and traumatic stress have long-term effects on health and well-being.
“Because you want to be the trusted source, and you want them to be able to talk to you about it. And you do that by basically saying, ‘What have you heard? What do you know? What do you feel about what you’ve heard and what you know?’ And let them tell you, then let them ask you questions.” Speaking of trusted sources, Saltz said it’s vital to help your kids learn to identify them. Help children understand “that just because somebody said it so, doesn’t make it so.