Tough Topics for Parents & Caregivers

Handling a difficult situation when you have a child is hard. Here are resources on how to talk to kids about tough topics.

Questions or would like book suggestions? Please email Children's Librarian Kelly Allen at kallen@oregonlibrary.org.

Topic	Resource
Talking About Race	Talking Race with Young Children - NRP (20 minute recording). Race and Resistance Booklist - Features books celebrating blackness, discussing police brutality,white privilege, and Indigenous rights. 31 Books to Support Conversations on Race, Racism and Resistance. Booklist from The Conscious Kid. Because Black Lives Matter, A Collection of Anti-Racist Reading Lists. From Teen Librarian Toolbox blog on School Library Journal. Embrace Race - Website with links, webinars, booklists, articles and resources about race in America. Unity and Justice Booklists -From Association for Library Service to Children (ALSC). We Need Diverse Books - Website with booklists, articles, and resources on race, equity, anti-racism, and inclusion.
Covid-19 (Coronavirus)	Five Ways to Help Teens Manage Anxiety about the Coronavirus from New York Times Talking to Kids about the Coronavirus from Child Mind Institute Talking to Older Kids (YouTube) Talking about social distancing with young children (YouTube) - Created by an early childhood educator. Tips for Reducing Anxiety During Uncertain Times from Common Sense Media
General Topic Resources	Comfy-Cozy Nest (video) - Big Bird talks about how to cope with traumatic experiences. Coping with Change: Selected Books for Children - CCBC Booklist for young children about topics like new sibling, moving, death, and more. How to Talk to Children about Difficult News from the American Psychological Association How to Talk to Kids about Difficult Subjects from Common Sense Media - Provides tips for a variety of ages. Tackling Tough Topics with Young Children from Education.com