Co-Parenting and Reassuring Kids About What They Hear in the Media
Children today are surrounded by information. Even if parents try to shield them from troubling news or adult conversations, kids still hear about what is happening in the world. A classmate may bring it up at school, or they may overhear snippets of adult conversations. The online gaming community is another place where kids encounter unfiltered opinions from other children and sometimes adults. Even advertisements on the radio and television mention serious topics such as class action lawsuits or online safety concerns. Because there are so many sources of information, parents and co-parents need to be ready to help their children process what they hear.
The Challenge of Growing Up in an Information Age
When adults were children, the sources of news were more limited, and parents had more control over what their children saw or heard. Today, the media landscape is completely different. Kids not only see traditional news but also run across headlines, memes, and discussions on social media, in video games, and through conversations with friends. Much of this information is incomplete, out of context, or presented in a way that is not appropriate for young audiences.
Even children who are not actively looking for news often hear about current events simply because they are connected to the digital world. This makes it important for parents and co-parents to think about how to respond when kids bring up questions about what they have seen or heard.
Stanford Medicine: A Parent’s Guide to Comforting Kids When News Is Frightening: Age-Appropriate Tips For Parents
Listening to Your Child’s Questions
One of the best ways to support children when they are exposed to adult topics is to start by listening. Ask them what they have heard and what they think it means. Sometimes a child’s understanding of a story or event is very different from reality. By giving them space to share, parents can identify what their child already knows, where the confusion lies, and what reassurance is needed.
Children often just want to know if they are safe. A simple reminder that they are loved, protected, and cared for can make a big difference in easing fears. Parents and co-parents do not need to provide every detail about a world event, but instead can focus on responding in ways that make their child feel secure.
NPR: What to Say to Kids When the News is Scary
Agreeing on a Co-Parenting Approach
In families where children move between two households, it is especially important for parents to coordinate their approach. If one parent avoids the subject while the other provides detailed explanations, the child may feel confused or even more anxious. A united front helps create consistency and comfort.
Co-parents can agree to check in with one another about how they will respond to questions about difficult news. For example, if a child asks about violence, natural disasters, or online safety issues, both parents can provide reassurance and encourage safe practices without overwhelming the child. By working together, co-parents demonstrate stability and cooperation, which helps children feel supported.
Texas Family Law and Parenting Orders
In Texas, parents are bound by the terms of their court order when it comes to raising their children. A parenting plan or custody order often includes terms about communication, decision-making, and exposure to certain influences. While not every situation involving troubling conversations or media exposure will be spelled out, parents still have a duty to follow the spirit of the order and act in the best interests of their children.
If one parent is concerned about what the other parent, or someone in that parent’s household, is saying to the children, the starting point is to review the current court order. Sometimes orders include specific restrictions on exposing children to inappropriate topics, or they may address how new partners are introduced to children. Even when the order is not specific, family law attorneys can help parents interpret what the order allows and what recourse may be available.
Enforcement Through Legal Action
There are times when a parent may feel that the other parent, or even a new dating partner, is discussing things that are harmful or inappropriate for the children. In these cases, a lawyer can send a formal letter reminding the other parent of their obligations under the court order. Often, this is enough to get compliance without further legal action.
However, if the problem continues, enforcement may be necessary. An enforcement case asks the court to hold the other parent accountable for violating the order. The court can impose remedies ranging from additional restrictions to contempt findings. Each case depends on the facts, and the court will always consider whether the child’s best interests are being protected.
When Modification Becomes Necessary
Sometimes repeated problems build up over time. Parents may find themselves dealing with multiple issues, including exposure to adult topics, failure to communicate about important matters, or interference with visitation schedules. When these issues accumulate, it may be time to seek a modification of the existing order.
A modification case asks the court to change the terms of the parenting plan. This could involve adjusting decision-making rights, adding restrictions, or altering visitation schedules. To succeed in a modification, a parent must show that there has been a material and substantial change in circumstances and that the proposed change is in the child’s best interests.
The Child Custody Modification Process in Texas
Encouraging Safe Habits Online and Offline
Talking about the news can also be an opportunity to remind children about personal safety. If a child mentions an ad they saw about predators online or conversations in a video game chat, parents can calmly reinforce the importance of not sharing personal information and reporting anything that makes them uncomfortable. These conversations do not need to be frightening. Instead, they can be framed as part of learning how to be smart and responsible in a connected world.
Barrows Firm Podcast: Raising Kids Safely in Today’s World: A Conversation with Single Dad, Brad Uptmore
Creating Space for Reassurance
Ultimately, the goal is to let children know they can always come to their parents or co-parents with questions. Even if the answer is not perfect or complete, the act of listening and reassuring is what matters most. Kids who know they can talk to the adults in their lives are better equipped to handle the challenges of growing up in a world filled with information they cannot always avoid.
For help with your situation and to learn your rights and options, contact the Barrows Firm, and we will help you choose the right path to get where you need to be.
