Immigration enforcement can affect children and families in many ways, whether it's happening in their own community or somewhere else. Raids, arrests and other enforcement actions, sometimes violent and often distressing, can impact children directly or through what they see or hear on social media or from friends. When scary events happen where kids are present, like around schools, health centers and family homes, children and teens may come to trusted adults with questions.
How to approach conversations with children about immigration enforcement activities
Start by listening.
When talking with children, begin by listening to their concerns and finding out what they already know. Understanding a child's current knowledge helps you respond in a way that fits their age and level of development. Speak calmly and with curiosity to help the child feel safe and comfortable sharing their worries with you.
You can ask simple, general questions like:
Be ready to follow their lead with open-mindedness and to respond honestly.
Validate emotions and experiences.
Let your child know that it is OK and normal to have many different emotions and questions that can change with time. Kids sometimes try to protect adults by keeping worries to themselves, so seeing you name your own feelings may help them speak up. For example, you might say:
- "When I heard about what happened today, it made me feel scared and worried. It helps me to be able to talk about it."
Use "AND" statements whenever possible. When validating experiences, share the next steps with "and," expressing support. For example:
- "We don't know what happened yet, AND I am right here with you."
- "I am scared also, AND we have a plan to keep you safe."
Lead with honesty, even when you don't have all the answers.
When having conversations with children about difficult events in the news or their own neighborhood, it is important to be present and listen. Avoid making statements that may offer false reassurance or sound dismissive, like "Don't worry about it."
Consider your child's developmental level.
Listening and validating can be part of any conversation. But it helps to base your response on a child's current level of development and understanding.
- Younger children or kids with developmental delays can benefit from simple explanations and reassurance that trusted adults are there for them.
- Older children and teens may ask for more specific information and have more complex questions. Answer honestly with what you know. Then, provide reassurance that you are there for them and be prepared to connect them with support to help cope with sources of stress. It is okay not to know all the answers and acknowledge that the unknown can be stressful.
Pay attention to what your child is seeing and hearing
Limit and monitor media use and exposure to the news.
Children and adults alike will want updates about what's happening, but it is important to limit exposure to violent news stories and videos when possible. This may include TV news as well as social media. It helps to:
- Consider screening what your children are seeing by watching recorded news coverage first, or watching it with them, and prepare for questions they may have.
- Model healthy media habits by taking breaks and setting limits for yourself, and encouraging your children to do the same.
Choose media and resources to help cope together.
Seek guidance and resources from trusted places like libraries, support groups, and schools. Librarians, educators, and the
American Academy of Pediatrics can direct families towards activities, books and more that can help families discuss difficult topics.
Find moments of peace, reassurance and routine.
Try doing calming activities together, like puzzles, drawing, prayer, singing, going for a walk or practicing deep breathing. Let your child know you are available and ready to listen anytime.
Also keep in mind that kids cope better when they know what to expect. During unpredictable times, keeping regular routines—mealtimes, bedtime, school activities—helps build a sense of stability.
Watch for signs your child may need more support
Be aware of changes in
sleep, physical symptoms, emotions or behavior, which can be signs of stress. Some children may experience developmental regression (like starting to wet the bed again) or new challenges concentrating in school.
If you notice changes that worry you, or if your child has been close to a frightening event, reach out to your pediatrician. They can offer guidance to help you support your child and suggest next steps.
Be prepared and connect with resources
Preparing with a family plan.
For families worried about
detention, deportation or separation, having a plan can help everyone feel more prepared. Many organizations offer family preparedness guides with steps for collecting important documents and identifying trusted caregivers.
If your child expresses interest in helping to plan, include them in age and developmentally appropriate ways. For example, you might share something like:
Connect with resources.
In addition to family preparedness resources, ask teachers and schools about resources, services and protections. If your child seems afraid to go to school, discuss these concerns with teachers, administrators or health staff. Keeping routines as stable as possible is important for learning and emotional health.
Remember
You don't have to have all the answers to support your child during unsettling news or events. What matters most is staying present, listening and offering calm, honest reassurance. By creating space for questions, keeping routines steady and connecting with trusted resources, you help your child feel grounded and safe—even when the world feels uncertain.
And remember, you're not alone: your pediatrician, your child's school and your community are all here to help your family navigate these conversations with confidence and care.
More resources
Gabriela Maradiaga Panayotti, MD, FAAP, Julia Rosenberg, MD, MHS, FAAP, and Carmelle Wallace, MD, MPH, FAAP, contributed to this article.