Kaiser Permanente Northwest

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News Release

INTERVIEWS: How To Talk To Your Kids When Crisis Strikes - 10/23/26

PORTLAND, Ore. (October 23, 2026) ~ School shootings, acts of violence, natural disasters and other frightening events can leave children feeling anxious, confused or unsafe. While parents can’t shield children from every difficult headline, they can help them understand what is happening and feel more secure.

The way parents approach these conversations should depend on a child's age and how much they want to know. Younger children may need simple explanations and physical reassurance, while older children may be ready to talk about what they've heard at school or seen online. Listening without judgment, limiting repeated exposure to upsetting coverage and maintaining familiar routines can give children the stability they need to process difficult events.

"Children often look to the adults in their lives to understand whether they are safe and how they should respond to difficult situations," said Dr. Lisa Denike, pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. "Parents don't need to have all the answers. What matters most is creating space for honest conversations, listening without judgment, and reassuring children that they are supported and cared for. Even small moments of connection can help children feel more secure when the world around them seems uncertain."

Interviews available:
Dr. Lisa Denike, pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for interviews on Monday, Oct. 26 from 1-3 p.m. Please contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Denike is prepared to discuss:

  • How to begin a conversation when a child has seen or heard about a frightening event.
  • Age-appropriate communication strategies for preschoolers, elementary-school-aged children, and teens.
  • Ways parents can create reassurance through physical comfort, family time and familiar routines
  • Managing children's exposure to social media, news coverage, and online misinformation following a traumatic event.
  • Signs that a child may be struggling with anxiety, stress, or emotional distress after a crisis.
  • How parents can model healthy ways of coping with fear, sadness and anger
  • When parents should contact a pediatrician or mental health professional

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.

INTERVIEWS: How To Talk To Your Kids When Crisis Strikes - 10/23/26

PORTLAND, Ore. (October 23, 2026) ~ School shootings, acts of violence, natural disasters and other frightening events can leave children feeling anxious, confused or unsafe. While parents can’t shield children from every difficult headline, they can help them understand what is happening and feel more secure.

The way parents approach these conversations should depend on a child's age and how much they want to know. Younger children may need simple explanations and physical reassurance, while older children may be ready to talk about what they've heard at school or seen online. Listening without judgment, limiting repeated exposure to upsetting coverage and maintaining familiar routines can give children the stability they need to process difficult events.

"Children often look to the adults in their lives to understand whether they are safe and how they should respond to difficult situations," said Dr. Lisa Denike, pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest. "Parents don't need to have all the answers. What matters most is creating space for honest conversations, listening without judgment, and reassuring children that they are supported and cared for. Even small moments of connection can help children feel more secure when the world around them seems uncertain."

Interviews available:
Dr. Lisa Denike, pediatrician with Kaiser Permanente Northwest, is available for interviews on Monday, Oct. 26 from 1-3 p.m. Please contact Karen Vitt to schedule.

Dr. Denike is prepared to discuss:

  • How to begin a conversation when a child has seen or heard about a frightening event.
  • Age-appropriate communication strategies for preschoolers, elementary-school-aged children, and teens.
  • Ways parents can create reassurance through physical comfort, family time and familiar routines
  • Managing children's exposure to social media, news coverage, and online misinformation following a traumatic event.
  • Signs that a child may be struggling with anxiety, stress, or emotional distress after a crisis.
  • How parents can model healthy ways of coping with fear, sadness and anger
  • When parents should contact a pediatrician or mental health professional

About Kaiser Permanente
Kaiser Permanente is committed to helping shape the future of health care. We are recognized as one of America's leading health care providers and not-for-profit health plans. Founded in 1945, Kaiser Permanente has a mission to provide high-quality, affordable health care services and to improve the health of our members and the communities we serve. We currently serve 12.9 million members in 9 states and the District of Columbia. Care for members and patients is focused on their total health and guided by their personal Permanente Medical Group physicians, specialists, and team of caregivers. Our expert and caring medical teams are empowered and supported by industry-leading technology advances and tools for health promotion, disease prevention, state-of-the-art care delivery, and world-class chronic disease management. Kaiser Permanente is dedicated to care innovations, clinical research, health education, and the support of community health. For more information, go to about.kp.org.