The only certainty right now is uncertainty
As our world continues to change and we continue to adapt, the only certainty, it seems, is uncertainty. If you are supporting kids and teens through this, they need to know that whatever they are feeling is normal. There is no playbook for this - for how to feel, how to respond, and what to do next. Whenever you can, make way for them to let their feelings out and to talk whenever they want to. The words might be ugly or messy or gone for a while, and that's okay. Same with feelings.
When their big feelings come, it can be difficult to know what to do or what to say, but you don't have to do anything. You'll want to, but you don't have to. With feelings, the healing is in the happening, so let them come, and let them be. Be there with your young one, and for them, and you don't need to do more than that.
Know also - and let your kids know - that the adults are holding on to them. Let them feel held by their schools, their communities, and the people around them. I'm struck by how many adults are truly and deeply there for our kids. Our children might feel anxious or worried about what's going to happen, but they need to know that they are being held. People are doing everything they can to get them through this. Our children are living through history, and they are handling it with monumental grace. Any anxiety, anger, grief or sadness doesn't change that a bit. They are amazing, and they need to know.
“Not everything that is faced can be changed; but nothing can be changed until it is faced.”