#28 How to Talk to Your Kids About the News Artwork

Good Enough Shrink

We are child psychiatrists practicing in the Los Angeles area on a mission to demystify psychiatry and mental health. The title of this podcast is a tribute to the psychoanalyst, Donald Winnicott, and his concept of the "Good Enough Parent.” This is the idea that the imperfect but sufficient provisions of a parent will build a resilient child in an imperfect world. We want to empower children and parents to embrace their strengths and flaws, and know that you are good enough.

We want to emphasize the power of holding difficult emotions from the lens of attachment theory. Attachment theory is based on the idea that humans need a social bond with another to survive. This bond, when it is “good enough”, serves as a secure base from which a child can explore the world. When this attachment is disrupted, it can lead to emotional issues, and sometimes full-blown psychiatric disorders. This is where therapists and psychiatrists come in.

This podcast is for the curious adults, parents, family members, mental health professionals and trainees. So we hope you join us in this adventure to explore science and mental health from a developmental perspective.

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Good Enough Shrink

#28 How to Talk to Your Kids About the News

March 01, 2026 • Dr. Jenna Cheng, Dr. Patrick Kelly • Season 2 • Episode 9

0:00 | 41:27

As we continue to see violence, political conflict, and distressing news in the world, we bring to you this episode to help guide parents on how to talk to their kids about difficult news. The physical and mental effects of high stress-states, trauma, and disasters are devastating, and we are right here figuring this out with you.

Core concepts to share with your kids
Case 1: Your 7 year-old is scared of school shootings
Case 2: Your 14 year-old is afraid for attacks on the LGBTQ+ community
Case 3: Your 20 year-old is wanting to participate in ICE protests

Resources:

https://www.aacap.org/aacap/Families_and_Youth/Resource_Centers/Disaster_Resource_Center/Home.aspx

https://www.aap.org/en/patient-care/disasters-and-children/?srsltid=AfmBOoo0r1lGRsII7rhW3dc2X6_bLPxh8jxYpIs5H3TDfS77dcQK0lQQ

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