What to Do When the News Scares You: A Kid's Guide to Understanding Current Events

Can kids feel safe when the news feels scary? Yes―and this workbook helps them understand what’s going on and how to cope.

From natural disasters and climate change to violence and conflict, today’s news can be overwhelming―especially for kids. But scary headlines don’t have to lead to fear and confusion. With the right tools, kids can learn to process what they hear, ask questions, and feel more secure.

The revised edition of What to Do When the News Scares You is a reassuring, interactive guide that helps kids make sense of current events and manage their emotional responses. Through engaging activities, colorful illustrations, and expert strategies, this workbook empowers kids to feel informed, calm, and confident―even when the world feels uncertain.

Whether your child is hearing about wildfires, protests, or other big events, this book offers a safe space to explore their feelings and build the tools they need to feel secure and empowered.

Key Features:

• Perfect for kids ages 7–11 who feel anxious or overwhelmed by the news
• Uses proven cognitive-behavioral techniques to help kids manage worry and build resilience
• Encourages critical thinking and emotional awareness through fun, hands-on exercises
• Helps kids understand media, ask questions, and talk about tough topics with trusted adults
• Includes a guide for parents and caregivers to support kids in navigating scary news stories
• Part of the trusted What-to-Do Guides for Kids series―used by parents, educators, and therapists for more than 20 years
• Created by Magination Press, the children’s imprint of the American Psychological Association―leaders in children’s mental health and well-being

Jacqueline B. Toner, PhD, is the author of multiple award-winning books for kids and teens which focus on topics in psychology. Prior to her writing career, she spent thirty-five years as a clinical child and family psychologist and served as chief facilitator for a medical resources project with Johns Hopkins School of Public Health and Carnegie Mellon University.

Janet McDonnell's illustrations combine traditional media and digital techniques. In addition to illustrating books, magazines, and puzzles, Janet has both taught and written for children from preschool to high school ages.