Welcome to Ask Robyn

Welcome to our Ask Robyn service, and thank you for sharing your concerns about your granddaughter.

News about wars, climate change and other difficult world events can be frightening for children. They may hear about events through television, school, friends, social media or conversations between adults, and they may not always have enough context to understand what they are seeing or hearing.

When children ask difficult questions, we do not need to have every answer. What can be helpful is giving them somewhere safe to bring their worries.

Finding out what they already know

Before explaining an event, ask your granddaughter what she has heard and what is worrying her most. Her concern may be quite different from what you expect.

For example, a news report about an event far away may leave a child wondering whether the same thing could happen to their own family. Understanding the particular fear allows us to respond to what they are actually worried about.

Answer questions honestly using simple, age appropriate language. It is also okay to say when we do not know something rather than giving certainty that we cannot provide.

Limiting overwhelming information

Repeated exposure to distressing stories can make the world feel constantly threatening. Therefore, it can help to think about how much news your granddaughter is encountering.

Some practical approaches include:

• Watch or discuss news together when appropriate so you can provide context and answer questions.
• Limit repeated exposure to upsetting footage and be mindful of news playing in the background at home.
• Bring conversations back to your granddaughter’s present surroundings, routines and the people who care for them.
• If they want to help, explore a small age appropriate positive action together, such as learning more about an issue or taking part in a community or environmental activity.

Helping worries feel manageable

We cannot promise children that difficult things will never happen. Instead, we can help them understand that worrying about something does not mean it is happening to them right now.

Predictable routines, ordinary family activities, play, time outdoors and connection with others can all help children return their attention to the world immediately around them.

ISPCC guidance also encourages parents to acknowledge children’s feelings rather than dismissing them and to give children space to describe what has made them feel worried. (ispcc.ie⁠)

If your granddaughter’s worries persist, interfere with sleep, school or everyday activities, or seem difficult for her to manage, consider speaking with her parents. If they too are concerned, they may choose to talk to their GP, another appropriate profession.

You may find this article about children’s emotions helpful: ispcc.ie/childrens-feelings-and-emotions/

Further support is available

Our Support Line is open Monday to Friday from 9:00am to 1:00pm on 01 522 5433. If you would like to talk again. You can also email [email protected].

Your granddaughter can contact Childline’s 24 hour confidential, non judgemental and anonymous service if they would like to talk about anything they have seen or heard that is worrying them.

Thank you for reaching out to Ask Robyn and for helping your granddaughter make sense of some difficult subjects. Please remember to take care of yourself too,

Robyn