Dear Families,
This past week—and this past year—have been sad and unsettling times in the United States. News of the tragedies in Minneapolis has been widely shared, and many children may have encountered this information through conversations, social media, or news coverage, whether intentionally or not.
I wish I could offer a beautiful blanket that would protect our children from hate, horror, and deep sadness. I cannot. What I can offer is companionship, resources, and an invitation to learn together—so that we can talk, reflect, and support one another as we navigate these times.
During Youth Religious Exploration on Sunday mornings, I invite you to grab a beverage and join each other in Room 203. This will be a space to sit together, share feelings of sorrow, and also name moments of love, care, and connection. You are not expected to have the “right” words—just your presence.
Below, you will find a collection of resources that may be helpful if your child has been exposed to difficult news. Please don’t feel like you need to read everything. I know the temptation can be to read all the things in search of the right way to do this. Instead, I encourage you to choose one or two resources and start there.
For many families, easing into conversation through familiar voices—like Sesame Street or Mister Rogers—can help. Simple, honest responses such as “I don’t know,” or “I’m sad too,” let children know that their feelings are normal. They also give us time to pause, learn more, and return to the conversation tomorrow and the next day. That is how we stay connected for the long haul, and how we show our children what regulation and care look like in real time.
Children process difficult events in very different ways. Some may ask direct questions. Others may show their reactions through changes in behavior or mood. Still others may seem unaffected at first. All of these responses are normal.
Below you will find resources that offer:
- Age-appropriate ways to explain what has happened
- Guidance for talking with children about frightening or traumatic events
- Tools for helping children feel grounded and safe
Please remember: you do not have to do this alone. Our community is here for you.
With care,
Jenni Papp
Director of Lifespan Faith Development
How to Talk About State-Sanctioned Murder
From First Universalist Church of Minneapolis (originally written in response to the murder of George Floyd)
- Talk about the person who died. Humanize them. Before talking about their murder, share what you know about who they were and what made them special.
- Talk about their death in an age-appropriate way. Tell the truth.
- Name patterns of violence and oppression connected to their death.
- Share what those most impacted by the violence say needs to be done.
- Talk about how people are responding in specific, positive ways.
- Explore ways to honor the person’s life (lighting a candle, drawing pictures, writing letters, making signs, attending vigils).
- Reassure children that you will keep them—and your neighbors—safe.
- Share the world we dream of, and remind them that we will build it together, and that they are loved.
Additional Resources
- Talking to Children About the Shooting from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network
- A Terrible Thing Happened, a story for children who have witnessed violence or trauma, by Margaret M. Holmes. Addresses the need for children to find a place to speak about their experiences. Video of author reading book aloud.
- Something Happened in Our Town by Marianne Celano PhD, Marietta Collins PhD, et al (A Minneapolis Children’s Theatre Company Original) two families, one white and one Black, discuss a police shooting of a Black man in their community. Video of authors reading book aloud.
- Talking about Death: A Dialogue between Parent and Child by Earl A. Grollman (Beacon Press, 2011)
- Talking with Children about Difficult Things in the News from the Fred Rogers Institute
- Responding to Community Violence — Sesame Workshop. Highly accessible, engaging, bilingual resources specific to targeted community violence. Includes videos, songs, stories, activities, webinar, research summaries, and parent support. Especially for children 0-6
- Explaining the News to Our Kids (2025) by Common Sense Media. Violent events can leave us speechless. Knowing how and when to talk with kids—and when to listen—can help.
- How to Talk with Kids About Violence, Crime, War, and Tragedy (2024) by Common Sense Media. A brief article with tips for parents to hold conversations with kids.
- Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators (2023) from the National Association of School Psychologists.