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If a crisis occurs affecting a child or his or her friends how do you talk to your child about it?

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If a crisis occurs affecting a child or his or her friends how do you talk to your child about it?

If there's an auto accident in the community or involving friends or classmates of your child, that can be incredibly stressful for kids. First of all, give them time to grieve what is going on. Review with them what it is to be a safe driver. Remind them that you don't drink while you are driving and you don't get in a car with someone who has been drinking. Help them figure out a fail-safe backup plan for getting a safe ride if that happens. Remind them to follow the speed limit, to put on their seat belts and to eliminate distractions. It's a great teaching opportunity for safety. And then let them feel sad, or let them feel scared. Offer to be in the car with them the next time they drive if it makes them feel better. Pray with your child and just give it some time. That can really impact a kid and it can take a while for them to be comfortable in a car again.