How to Talk with Children About Immigration Unrest

Drawing from our work with kids affected by trauma, Save the Children's experts have put together the following tips for parents and caregivers, to help you and your family navigate this moment.

This guide explains how immigration unrest can affect children, signs of stress to watch for, and how parents can respond with calm, age-appropriate support.

1. Signs of Trauma to Watch for in Children

Not all children who experience trauma are automatically traumatized. Similarly, not every child who is traumatized is able to express it. Often, children experiencing trauma act out in other ways. They may show signs of increased anxiety. They may experience otherwise unexplained physical symptoms, such as stomach aches, bedwetting, or difficulty sleeping. If your child is behaving out of character, and there's no other obvious reason for it, they may be reacting to events unfolding around them. 

2. How to Check In With Your Child During Times of Uncertainty

Have regular check-ins during morning or evening routines. Ask open-ended questions while doing activities together, acknowledging it’s normal to feel scared during moments like this. Daily “pulse checks” with your child can also provide regular opportunities to reinforce all the good things they can look forward to tomorrow. 

3. Creating a Safe Space at Home for Hard Conversations

Create an environment of safety within your home. For example, you could set up a "cozy corner" somewhere in your house where they can go when they're feeling overwhelmed. You can fill it with art supplies, sensory items, and other activities your child finds comforting. The safer they feel at home, the more comfortable they will be talking with you and having the hard conversations. 

4. How to Talk About Safety Without Creating Fear

Start by asking your child what they already know about the immigration crackdown. Allow them to express their concerns and ask questions. Reassure them and be honest – never lie to them about the situation. Gently address any inaccurate concerns--for example, if they're worried about immigration agents coming to their school when there are no active enforcement actions taking place in your community. Don’t go into graphic details, put the emphasis on safety, and help them understand what plans are in place to protect them in all types of emergencies. 

5. Reassuring Children That Fear Is a Normal Reaction

It's okay for your child to feel whatever they're feeling--including fear. Everyone feels afraid when they’re in danger, or when there's a risk of danger. Fear is how our bodies alert us and prepare us for action in times of crisis. Help children understand that their natural reactions are normal and nothing to be ashamed of.

6. Helping Children Identify Trusted Helpers and Leaders

Mr. Roger's advice to "look for the helpers" is so widely quoted because it's as timeless as it is true. Remind your child that adults – teachers, leaders and first responders – are working every day to keep them safe. Children are more likely to have the confidence to make a safe decision in an emergency if they know what to do--and, crucially, who to turn to for help.