Tips from a Mom: Navigating Tough Conversations with Your Kids About ICE

As a mom with a child in a Spanish immersion school in Texas, I'm opening this conversation with my daughter to ensure I'm her primary source of information and to help her navigate what she hears at school. Here's how I'm approaching it at my home. 

✅ Stay Calm: Kids mirror our emotions, so I'm staying composed to make her feel secure. Deep breaths—You’ve got this!

✅ Ask Questions: I'm first asking what she's heard from friends, teachers, or others to understand what she already knows. What do you know about ICE? Let their answer guide your conversation: 

If a child replies with "no" to the question:

• That's okay! ICE stands for Immigration and Customs Enforcement. It's a group that works with the government to make sure people follow immigration laws. Have you ever heard about people moving to new countries?
• Some people might be worried about ICE because they help decide if people can stay in a country. Do you know why some people might have to leave the US?

This approach helps introduce the subject while respecting their level of understanding and creating space for questions and conversation.

✅ Emphasize Safety: I'm reminding her that school is a safe place where teachers protect her. 

• School is a safe place where your teachers and other adults are there to look out for you and keep you protected. If you ever feel unsure or have questions, you can always talk to them and me.

✅ Validate Feelings: Using a Bright Littles feelings journal, I encourage her to express emotions and show how we can support friends. 

• It's okay to feel scared sometimes. Everyone feels that way now and then, even grown-ups. What matters is that we talk about it and figure out ways to feel better together. I'm here for you, always.

Need help: There are some great calming activities in our Feelings Journals and Conversation Cards

• When our friends feel scared, we can help by being kind and letting them know we’re there for them. We can listen if they want to talk, offer a hug if they’re okay with it, or remind them to take deep breaths to feel calm. Being a good friend means showing them they’re not alone.

✅ Answer Honestly: I'm keeping answers truthful but age-appropriate, and it's okay to say, "That is a great question. I don't know; I'll find out and get back to you in 24 hours."

✅ Share Family Info: I'm ensuring she knows key family information, my full name, and phone number.

✅ School Information: Stay up on your school's emails and understand their policies and plans. Be on the same page with teachers about classroom communication. 

🗣️ Starting these conversations early fosters understanding, empathy, and kindness. Let's raise a generation that leads with love! 💕