How to Talk with Kids About Disasters, Illness, and Other Tough Topics

In the wake of recent flooding in Central Texas, Katie Taylor—child life specialist and mom—pauses the regularly scheduled episode to speak directly to parents navigating uncertainty and grief. Whether you're facing a natural disaster, a scary news event, illness, or another tough moment, Katie offers a compassionate and practical framework to help guide difficult conversations with your child.

Drawing from both her professional experience and personal moments with her own daughter, Katie walks you through a 5-step process to ensure these talks are grounded in safety, emotional connection, and honest, age-appropriate communication.

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What You’ll Learn in This Episode:

• Why regulating yourself is the first step to supporting your child

• How to assess what your child knows or believes about an event (and correct misconceptions)

• Strategies for explaining complex topics in clear, simple ways

• How to validate emotional reactions, even when you don’t have all the answers

• The importance of ending with a bonding activity to reinforce connection and security

Katie’s 5-Step Framework:

1. Regulate yourself

2. Assess what your child knows

3. Explain complex information simply

4. Validate their emotions and responses

5. Close with connection and bonding

🤝 Resources Mentioned:

🔗 Child Life Disaster Relief (CLDR) – Supporting families and professionals during crisis situations: https://www.childlifedisasterrelief.org
📚 Flooding & Crisis Resource Hub for Parents and CCLS: https://childlifeoncall.com/hillcountryfloods

• [00:00] – Welcome & why this episode matters right now (Texas flooding)

• [01:00] – The emotional toll on parents and the importance of self-regulation

• [02:00] – Personal reflection: Katie shares how she coped this weekend

• [03:00] – Step 1: Why regulating yourself is step one in helping your child

• [04:00] – Step 2: Two ways tough conversations begin (reactive vs. planned)

• [05:00] – Creating a safe environment: timing, tone, and physical comfort

• [06:00] – Step 3: Assessing what your child knows and clearing up misconceptions

• [07:00] – Example: When Katie’s daughter feared the pool would flood their home

• [08:00] – How to explain complex topics like weather in simple, honest language

• [09:00] – Step 4: Reading your child’s cues and inviting collaboration

• [10:00] – When kids ask heartbreaking questions (e.g. “Did kids die?”)

• [11:00] – Validating your child’s emotions and offering honest responses

• [12:00] – Step 5: How to close the conversation with a bonding moment

• [13:00] – Simple ideas: drawing together, taking a walk, or reading a book

• [14:00] – What to do when you don’t have the answers to their questions

• [15:00] – Why the message of safety, love, and presence matters most

• [16:00] – Acknowledging the incredible work of Child Life Disaster Relief (CLDR)

• [17:00] – Where to find resources: childlifeoncall.com/hillcountryfloods

• [18:00] – Final encouragement: You can do this—and your words matter less than your presence