Talking About the News—Again
Helping Children Feel Grounded in a Complicated World
In the past few years, it’s felt at times like one crisis rolls into the next. From the murder of George Floyd and the conversations about racial justice that followed, to a global pandemic, the war in Gaza, wildfires here in California, and now, renewed protests in response to immigration raids and the presence of federal agents—families have been navigating a constant stream of complex, emotional headlines.
These aren’t just stories on the news. They’re emotional undercurrents that shape our daily lives. They affect the way we move through the world, the questions our children ask, and the conversations we may or may not feel ready to have. And once again, we’re reminded: children are always watching, listening, and learning—not just about events, but about how to respond to them.
We believe moments like these offer a powerful opportunity—not to explain everything, but to affirm the values we want to pass on: empathy, fairness, and dignity for all people. You might choose to talk about immigration because your child overheard something—or because, as a family, you want to raise children who care about others, even when they aren’t directly affected.
It’s also okay if your family—or those around you—hold different views on immigration. These issues are complex, and people of goodwill may come to different conclusions. What matters most in our school community is how we talk about those differences: with respect for one another, a willingness to listen, and a shared commitment to the humanity of every person.
That’s why it helps to start not with perfect answers, but with presence. Children pick up on mood and meaning long before they understand the full context. They may overhear something on the radio, or notice the helicopters circling—like many of us did this past weekend. When they’re left to fill in the blanks, their imaginations can sometimes amplify worry or confusion.
What they need most is your calm, your honesty, and a way to make meaning out of what they see.
This article includes:
🔹 Ways to talk about immigration and fairness proactively
🔹 Tips if your child seems anxious or has overheard something
🔹 A list of recommended books to explore through story
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Even if your child hasn’t asked questions, you may want to bring up this topic to reflect your family’s values—such as treating others with dignity, recognizing complexity, and showing care for people in difficult circumstances.
At WHPS, we nurture empathy and perspective through cultural celebrations, diverse literature, and classroom conversations that help children understand both the beauty of different identities and the injustices some communities face.
One powerful tool we use is person-first language—describing people as individuals first, not by their situation. Instead of “illegals,” we say “people who immigrated” or “families facing deportation.” This small shift reinforces respect and shared humanity.
Here’s how to approach it based on your child’s age:
Preschool (Ages 2–4)
Keep it rooted in kindness: “Some families are going through changes. It’s okay to care about people, even when we don’t know them.”
Use pretend play or stories to explore emotions.
Help them name what they’re feeling: “That noise was loud. Did it make you feel nervous?” Expand their vocabulary beyond just “happy” or “sad.”
Kindergarten & 1st Grade
Use values-based language: “Some people are being told to leave their homes. That can feel really unfair and scary. In our family, we believe everyone should be treated with kindness.”
Ask open-ended questions: “What do you think we can do to help someone who feels left out?”
Use books about empathy and inclusion as starting points.
Upper Elementary (2nd–5th Grade)
Acknowledge nuance: “Immigration is complicated. There are rules and fears and families—and people don’t all agree on what’s fair. But we can think about how people deserve to be treated.”
Encourage reflection: “What does fairness mean to you?”
Offer meaningful next steps: Write a letter. Speak up. Listen carefully.
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Kids don’t always say what they’ve heard—they show us. Anxieties may surface through clinginess, disrupted sleep, or repeated questions. When this happens, your presence and calm are more important than perfect answers.
Ask gently what they know:
“Did you hear something today that didn’t make sense to you?”
“What have you heard about that?”
Keep your explanations short and clear:
“Some families are being told they have to leave where they live. It’s hard, and people have a lot of feelings about it.”
Reassure and ground them:
“You’re safe. This isn’t something that affects our family directly. You are surrounded by people who care about you.”
Name your values:
“Even though this isn’t happening to us, it’s important to care about others—especially when they’re going through something hard.”
Model calm—even if you’re upset:
Children take emotional cues from us. When they see us staying grounded, they learn to do the same. -
Including stories about family separation due to immigration status
Preschool (Ages 2–4)
These books focus on emotions, kindness, and simple stories about adjusting to change or seeing others with compassion.
All Are Welcome – Alexandra Penfold
Celebrates community and belonging in a vibrant, diverse school. Helps affirm inclusion early.Wishes – Muon Van
A poetic story of a family’s nighttime departure from home. Accessible entry into the refugee experience.A Chair for My Mother – Vera B. Williams
A story of family rebuilding after hardship. Centers resilience and community.What Is a Refugee? – Elise Gravel
Simple, direct explanations of what it means to be a refugee. Helpful for young, curious minds.Sugar in Milk – Thrity Umrigar
Blends a modern immigration story with a Persian folktale. Encourages welcome and generosity.Coquí in the City – Nomar Perez
A child adjusts to life in the U.S. after leaving Puerto Rico. Gentle take on relocation and new beginnings.From North to South / Del Norte al Sur – René Colato Laínez
A young boy visits his mother in a detention center. Offers a clear but tender introduction to family separation.
Kindergarten–1st Grade
Books for this age layer in more social context and emotional nuance while still using simple, accessible language.
The Name Jar – Yangsook Choi
A Korean girl considers changing her name to fit in. Sparks conversation about identity and pride.Dreamers – Yuyi Morales
A poetic immigration memoir centered on books, courage, and transformation. Celebrates the immigrant spirit.My Two Blankets – Irena Kobald
A metaphor for adjusting to a new language and culture. Empowers children to embrace difference.Lubna and Pebble – Wendy Meddour
A refugee child copes with change by forming new bonds. Evokes empathy and quiet strength.To the Other Side – Erika Meza
Told entirely in images, two children cross a desert and border. Deeply moving, with space for interpretation.A Different Pond – Bao Phi
A father and son share a quiet morning before work and school. Weaves in immigrant experience and dignity.Mango Moon – Diane de Anda
After a father is deported, a girl misses him deeply. Offers emotional insight into life after family separation.
Upper Elementary (2nd–5th Grade)
These books allow for deeper exploration of displacement, courage, and identity, often based on real-world stories or lived experiences.
Inside Out & Back Again – Thanhhà Lai
A girl flees Vietnam and adjusts to life in Alabama. Told in lyrical verse.Refugee – Alan Gratz
Three interconnected refugee stories from different time periods. Action-driven and emotionally impactful.When Stars Are Scattered – Victoria Jamieson & Omar Mohamed
A memoir about growing up in a refugee camp. Insightful and hopeful.Front Desk – Kelly Yang
A Chinese American girl runs a motel and helps other immigrants. Accessible, funny, and powerful.Other Words for Home – Jasmine Warga
A girl relocates from Syria and finds her voice in a new country. Uplifting, lyrical, and timely.Mama’s Nightingale – Edwidge Danticat
A girl writes stories to cope with her mother’s detention. Beautifully captures the healing power of storytelling.Azzi in Between – Sarah Garland
A young refugee adjusts to school and life in a new country. Great entry into understanding transition and safety.
💕 Final Thought
These aren’t one-time talks. Moments like this are part of a larger pattern—of parenting, teaching, and leading through uncertain times. And while the headlines may change, the heart of the work stays the same: helping children feel secure, think deeply, and grow into people who care about others.
When we model how to stay calm and grounded—whether by pausing to take a breath, going for a walk, or simply naming our emotions—we give children tools they can carry for life. (There’s compelling research on the power of naming feelings—not just for children, but for adults too—as a way to build emotional awareness and resilience.) In doing so, we show them what it looks like to care for others and themselves.
