A Story of Hope: Talking to Our Kids About Terrible Things


 As a mum and a grandma, my heart aches whenever tragedy strikes—like the recent Bondi terrorist attacks. It’s moments like these that make us feel small and powerless, especially when our children and grandchildren come to us with questions we can’t always answer.

I remember sitting at the kitchen table, my little ones’ eyes searching mine for comfort and truth. In those moments, I realised that while I can’t shield them from every sadness, I can offer them hope.

Finding Light in the Darkness

I tell them, gently and honestly, what has happened—just enough for them to understand, but not so much that it overwhelms them. I let them know it’s okay to feel sad, scared, or even angry. Those feelings are real, and they matter.
But here’s what I always hold onto, and what I share with them: even when the world feels dark, light and love always outshine hate. Every single time.

Teaching Kindness, Every Day

I encourage my children and grandchildren to look for the helpers—the people who rush in to comfort, to heal, and to rebuild. We talk about the little things we can do to be the light for someone else: a kind word, a helping hand, a smile for a stranger.
Every day, I ask them, “What’s one kind thing we can do today?” Sometimes it’s as simple as drawing a picture for a neighbour or picking up rubbish at the park. Sometimes, it’s just hugging each other a little tighter.

Hope for the Future

We can’t erase the hard things that happen in the world, but we can teach our kids that love is always stronger than hate. That their kindness matters. That together, our small acts can light up even the darkest days.
So, from one parent and grandparent to another: let’s keep talking, keep loving, and keep shining a light for our kids. The world needs it—and so do they.
#LightOverDarkness #KindnessMatters #ParentingHope #Bondi #FamilyAndChildConsultants

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