Talking to Kids About Scary News

Cable crawls, phone alerts, and social-media clips mean our children can stumble onto disturbing images before we even know a story broke. How do we help them process talk of airstrikes, hostages, or government decisions—especially when the words “Iran,” “Iraq,” and “U.S. troops” scroll across the screen? Below is a Christ-centered ideas that meets kids where they are developmentally and reminds every age that “God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble” (Psalm 46:1).

FIRST, THREE GUIDING PRINCIPLES FOR PARENTS

1. Filter

• Little eyes don’t need live battle footage. Preview articles and videos; turn off autoplay.

2. Frame

• Put the story in context: “The Middle East is far away, but people there matter to God just like we do.”

3. Faith

• Our ultimate safety rests in God, not governments: “In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world” (John 16:33).

AGE-BY-AGE CONVERSATIONS

Preschool (3–5) — Keep It Concrete

Key thought: God is with us, and you are safe.

What to say

• “Sometimes countries argue and fight, kind of like kids on a playground. When that happens, we ask God to help everyone stop.”

• “Mommy and Daddy and lots of helpers keep you safe, and God watches over us, too.”

Scripture & activities

• Psalm 56:3—“When I am afraid, I put my trust in You.” Let them repeat it with hand motions.

• Pray a one-sentence prayer at bedtime: “God, please bring peace and help people who are hurt.”

Early Elementary (6–8) — Simple Explanations, Big Assurance

Key thought: Bad things happen, but God is bigger.

What to say

• “Iran and Iraq are two countries far from here. They have disagreed for many years, and sometimes that leads to fighting.”

• “Our leaders decide how America helps. We can pray that they make wise choices.”

• “Feeling worried is normal—let’s tell God about it together.”

Scripture & activities

• Isaiah 41:10—write it on a sticky note for their nightstand.

• Locate Iran and Iraq on a map; then mark your town to show the distance.

• Make a “prayer jar” with names like “Soldiers,” “Kids in Iraq,” “Leaders” and draw one at dinner.

Tweens (9–12) — Honest Facts, Growing Discernment

Key thought: The world is broken, but the God who watches over Israel—and every nation—already holds the future, so His people can trust without fear.

What to say

• Give a simple timeline: “Iran and Iraq have argued for many years over land, religion, and oil. Sometimes those arguments turn into fighting.”

• “The U.S. sometimes sends supplies or soldiers to help protect people and keep bigger wars from starting.”

• “God cares about the Middle East. The Bible calls Him ‘the God of Israel,’ yet He also loves His people fully and deeply (Genesis 12:3; Jonah 4:11).”

• Invite questions: “What part confuses you? What worries you most?”

Scripture & discussion starters

• 1 Timothy 2:1-2 — Pray “for kings and all who are in high positions,” including leaders in Washington, Tehran, and Baghdad.

• Matthew 5:9 — Beatitude challenge: “Blessed are the peacemakers.” Brainstorm ways to make peace at school or with your family.

• Psalm 121:4 — “He who watches over Israel will neither slumber nor sleep.” God is alert even when news feels chaotic.

• Isaiah 46:9-10 — God “declares the end from the beginning.” History isn’t random; He already knows the last page.

• Jeremiah 29:11 — God’s plans are “to give you a future and a hope.” Ask: How does this promise steady us when headlines sound scary?

• Revelation 21:5 — Jesus says, “I am making all things new.” Talk about the day wars will end forever.

Media-check skill

Teach them to pause before believing or sharing a post:

1. Who wrote it?

2. When was it published?

3. What’s the goal—information, opinion, or clicks?

4. Does it line up with truth and love (Ephesians 4:15)?

Finish by reminding tweens: “The earth is the LORD’s and everything in it” (Psalm 24:1). Because the future belongs to Him, we can pray, stay informed, and act with courage—never panic.

Teens (13+) — Deep Dialogue, Biblical Worldview

Key thought: We engage the world without being ruled by fear.

Topics to cover

• Historical timeline of the Iran-Iraq War (1980-88) and why tensions linger.

• The role of U.S. interests (regional stability, oil routes, counter-terrorism).

• Christian ethics of war: Romans 13 (government’s sword) vs. Matthew 5 (enemy-love).

• Coping with news overload—set screen limits, evaluate sources, practice Philippians 4:8 thinking.

Action steps

• Write elected officials about peacemaking priorities.

• Support ministries that serve Middle-Eastern refugees.

• Lead a youth-group prayer night using Psalm 46.

WHAT SCRIPTURE TELLS THE WHOLE FAMILY

• God is sovereign—Psalm 46; Daniel 2:21

• We’re called to courage—Joshua 1:9

• Prayer is powerful—Philippians 4:6-7

• Love extends to enemies—Luke 6:27

• Nothing can separate us from Christ—Romans 8:38-39

PRACTICAL HABITS THAT CALM FEAR

News Pause & Pray

Watch or read one story together, then immediately stop and pray for the people involved.

Family “God-Is-Bigger” Jar

Drop a bean in the jar each time someone voices a worry and prays about it. Watch trust “fill up.”

Gratitude Before Bed

End the day naming one way you saw God’s goodness despite hard headlines.

FINAL ENCOURAGEMENT FOR MOM & DAD

You don’t need a degree in geopolitics to shepherd your kids; you just need availability, honesty, and the unshakable promises of God. Whatever flashes across the news ticker, our children can learn early that “the LORD sits enthroned forever” (Psalm 9:7) and that His perfect love drives out fear.