Students may feel a variety of emotions or feel uncertain, which can manifest in different ways. Below are some tips from mental health experts for talking with students in age-appropriate ways about immigration:
- Encourage Questions - Keep explanations simple. Avoid political discussions and focus on fairness and kindness instead.
- Have Age-Appropriate Conversations - Share only what your child can understand and handle emotionally, using simple, reassuring language without unnecessary details.
- Watch for Stress Signals - Look for signs that your child may need extra support, including:
- Aggression or sudden irritability
- Clinginess to adults
- Behavioral regression
- Withdrawal or sadness
- Headaches or stomachaches
- Practice Empathy - Encourage your child to care about the feelings of others.
- Balance Honesty with Hope - Be realistic about current laws, but remind children that circumstances can change.