I am sure that we have all been shocked and saddened by the news in recent days.

Many of our children have asked questions about this in school, and I am sure that they are asking you similar questions at home.

The following link will give you tips and strategies to use if you feel that your child is showing anxiety linked to the current news stories.

https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsround/60417806

Sometimes things that happen in the world can make us sad, anxious or confused.

It's important to remember that upsetting stories are in the news because they are rare - they don't happen very often.

But what can we do when the news makes us feel this way?

Share your worries

If the news has upset you, talk to an adult you trust about it. It's important to share what is troubling you.

It's normal to feel upset

It's important to remember that being sad, worried or angry about awful things that happen in the world around you is okay and perfectly normal.

You won't be the only one who feels that way.

Adults get sad and confused too, so there is nothing wrong with feeling like this.

Do things that make you happy

Doing things that make you happy can help you to feel better.

Watch your favourite film, take your dog for a walk or read some of your favourite book.

Try to balance the news you read. If you read a sad story, then try and read a happy one before you go to bed

If being worried is making it more difficult to sleep or if you are having nightmares, it's really important to speak to an adult about this too.

Here are some things you can do if you are having worried thoughts when you go to bed:

• Remember things that make you happy and think about these as you're going to bed, so your head is full of positive thoughts

• Surround yourself with nice things by your bed - perhaps a happy photo that makes you smile - so this is the last thing you see before you sleep

• Read a book you love that will help to settle your thoughts

• If you have bad dreams, talk about it or even try drawing it. This will help you to confront your fear

• Keep things with you that make you feel secure - even if it is your old teddy bear that you keep hidden from your mates!
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• The most important thing is that if you are feeling upset, don't keep what's troubling you about the news to yourself.

  Talk to an adult about the issue in the news that is worrying you.

  That can help you to understand what is upsetting you, and help those feelings of sadness, anger or confusion to go away.