Just as adults struggle to understand the devastating explosions at the Boston Marathon, children also need help to deal with the frightening news they see and hear from various sources. Fred Rogers long ago understood the best ways to nurture healthy young people during good times and bad , and he left a legacy that supports educators and parents today. Thanks in part to the assistance of UNC-TV, North Carolina’s public television network, and public television station WTVI Charlotte, a booklet entitled Helping Children Deal with Tragic Events in the News: Timeless wisdom from Fred Rogers for parents, caregivers and teachers is available to you.
In it you’ll find information about what children fear at times such as these, how to make them feel more secure, how to talk and listen to them as well as other helpful hints. The booklet also shares the story Fred Rogers often told about his mother’s words to him as a boy when he watched frightening news: “My mother would say to me, ’Look for the helpers. You will always find people who are helping.’ Teachers have always been among the world’s helpers, and we hope you’ll find this wisdom from Fred Rogers helpful.
