In times when the world feels heavy and the news is hard to process, it’s important to remember that you are not alone—and neither are the young people in your life.
My daughter, Mia, is in middle school. As a parent, I still carry the same instinct I had when she was small—the desire to protect her. I want to shield her from bullies, the constant news cycle, and the inevitable disappointments that come with growing up. And yet, I know protection doesn’t mean avoidance. It means presence.
Mia has always been empathetic. When she sees a friend hurting, she steps in. When something doesn’t feel right, she notices. But as she’s grown older, the questions she encounters have become heavier. When kids hear about gun violence or community loss, what do they carry with them? When they practice safety drills at school, what lingers afterward?
The American Academy of Pediatrics encourages parents to begin these conversations with a simple question: “What have you heard in the news?” Recently, I asked Mia that question on the way to school. She told me she knows “a lot is happening,” and that schools have rules to help keep students safe. When I asked if she had questions, she paused and said not right now—but she reminded me that she knows she can always ask. At this age, awareness often arrives before language.
Children who are struggling to cope may show changes in sleep, such as difficulty falling or staying asleep, nightmares, or trouble waking. They may also experience physical complaints like headaches, stomachaches, or ongoing fatigue. Behavioral changes can include shifts in eating habits, increased irritability, clinginess, regression in maturity, or, in teens, changes in substance use. Emotional signs may include heightened sadness, anxiety, fear, or depression. Because children often hide distress, it can be hard to tell what’s typical and when extra support is needed—if concerns arise, reaching out to a pediatrician, teacher, or mental health professional is important. Starting conversations early and keeping them ongoing can help ensure children get support before challenges intensify.
Because children often hide distress, it can be hard to tell what’s typical and when extra support is needed. If concerns arise, reaching out to a pediatrician, teacher, or a mental health professional can be very helpful.
Touchstone Foundation also offers local resources to support youth mental wellness in Lancaster County. For grounding and coping strategies, visit our mental health resource page for coping and grounding tools here: https://touchstonefound.org/mental-health-resources/#grounding
If you’re looking for local mental health providers or therapist support, you can find referrals and assistance here: https://touchstonefound.org/mental-health-resources/#therapist
Starting conversations early and keeping them ongoing can help ensure children get the support they need before challenges intensify.
Even small moments of connection, listening, and reassurance can offer steady ground in uncertain times. By staying present, asking questions, and showing compassion, we help create spaces where hope can grow. Together, as families and as a community, we can remind one another that support is available, healing is possible, and brighter days are still ahead.
