Feb. 15, 2026: Helping Children Stay Anchored During Times of Crisis

To say that we are living in a time of crisis is an understatement. The reality is that we are living under layers of crisis. A health crisis, an economic crisis, a political crisis, a moral crisis, a crisis of humanity.  It is extremely easy to get overwhelmed by the sheer magnitude of events and to become stressed and/or depressed.  We know that our world is changing in profound ways, and that even when we find our way through, the world will be permanently changed. The fact that we do not yet even really know what that world will look like, adds another layer of worry and burden.

And if we are overwhelmed and discouraged, imagine how children must be feeling.

As an educator, my daily life is focused and centered on children. In addition to specific content and curriculum, I am teaching the whole child.  Which means that I try to make sure to stay in tune with what they are thinking, feeling, and experiencing, as this has a profound impact on their learning.

While sheltering children from many of the current events is admirable, and depending on the age of the child, essential, it is also not often realistic or possible. Children hear things. See things. See us. Watch the adults in their lives.  See snippets. Hear rumors.

They have enough of an understanding of what is going on, to be concerned. Children are also highly intuitive and they sense the worry and stress of the adults in their lives. This means that we must do all we can to help them to stay anchored and positive, even without coming right out and discussing the “elephant in the room”.

There are lots of ways to do this, but I have found some easy ways that I feel have a big impact in helping children to find some equilibrium and contentment amid the chaos that is our world right now.

-       Find and embrace the joy! It is not “putting our head in the sand”, or ignoring reality.  It is simply looking beyond the crisis and acknowledging that life still holds joy and happiness.  Whether a little thing, or a big event, acknowledging the joy and beauty that is around us is impactful. Whether for the day, or for just a moment, that attention to happiness can have repercussions that last. Smile and laugh. It is contagious.

-       Focus on what we can control. No one likes to feel that they have no control. That goes for children as well. Obviously much depends on the age and maturity of the child, but build in ways and opportunities for them to have choices.  Whether it is simple things like what they want to wear today, or significant, like the topic of their science fair project, those opportunities to make choices allows them to feel like they still have control of their lives.

-        Make them aware of the everyday heroes who are stepping up. By focusing on your own community, you do not have to address the larger political issues that they might not be ready for. Instead, be sure they know that you are donating blankets to the homeless shelter, or that your neighbor is fostering puppies, or that there is a community blood drive this weekend. Seeing the dozens of ways that ordinary people do good for others, can help

-       Celebrate the positive things they are doing. Holding the door for someone, helping a friend pick up a bucket of spilled crayons, or picking up trash.  At home and at school, children do dozens of small, positive, helpful things every day.  Acknowledging and commenting on these ways they are making a positive contribution, is powerful.

Find joy!  Be happy!