Question every parent should ask their child in Liverpool parade crash aftermath

Daily Mirror

27-05-2025

The city of Liverpool has been left reeling today in the aftermath of the Liverpool parade crash, which saw four children struck and 27 people taken to hospital.
Many will naturally be concerned about the impact this incident will have had on young children, many of whom witnessed the horrific events of yesterday (May 26) unfold. It was supposed to be a day of celebration, with up to one million triumphant Liverpool FC supporters taking to the streets to celebrate their team's winning the Premier League trophy and the Cunard Queen Anne's return to Liverpool docks.
Families were out in their droves, soaking up the celebratory atmosphere, many with young children in tow. But then, just after 6 pm, jubilant celebrations quickly descended into shock and fear as a vehicle ploughed into fans, hitting four children and injuring up to 50 onlookers. READ MORE: Liverpool crash news updates: Driver arrested on suspicion of drug driving
Four children were struck during the incident (Image: PA)
Emergency services confirmed that two people are in a "serious" condition, including a child. Merseyside Police say 11 people remain in hospital but all are in a stable condition.
The incident was also witnessed by a number of children, and many parents now face the devastating task of talking it through with them. With this in mind, the Mirror spoke with psychologist Louise Goddard-Crawley, who advised what to say to children who were there and to those youngsters who learned about the shocking events on the news, from their friends, and on social media.
'Children who were there may feel scared, confused, and overwhelmed, and some may even experience shock,' Louise said. 'They might seem frozen or strangely quiet at first, as their brains try to process what happened. It's important to validate whatever response they're having and not rush them.
'Let them know it's completely normal to feel shaken after something unexpected or frightening. Just because they're now physically safe doesn't mean they feel emotionally safe. Their nervous systems may take time to settle. This means they need comfort, routine, and the reassurance that they're not alone in how they feel.
"While we can't promise that 'nothing bad will ever happen', we can remind children that events like this are very rare. You might say, 'What happened was really unusual. The grown-ups around you are always doing their best to keep you safe'. Also, emphasise the response, i.e., the people who helped, the community coming together, and not just the fear."
Psychologist Louise Goddard-Crawley has advised what to say to children who witnessed the events unfold (Image: AP)
She continued: 'I think that we need to let our children know that whatever they're feeling is valid; whether that's fear, confusion, sadness, or even anger. You might say, 'It's okay to feel scared, it was a scary thing.' Children need permission to feel what they feel, and they need to know you can handle it.
'Once you've named and contained their feelings, you can gently reassure them: this kind of event is very rare, and lots of people from police to community members are working hard to keep everyone safe. That way, we are helping them build a story about what happened that includes both the fear and the safety.'
For children who weren't there but have heard about what happened, it's important to be honest but age-appropriate. 'This means sharing the truth in a way your child can emotionally and developmentally understand,' she explained. 'For a young child, that might sound like, 'Something happened where people got hurt, and it's made a lot of people feel sad or worried'."
'You don't need to go into graphic detail, just enough to help them make sense of what they may have overheard or sensed. For older children, you can offer a bit more context, but still check in: 'Do you want to talk about it?' or 'What have you heard so far?' The key is to follow their lead, answer their questions simply and clearly, and let them know they can come back to you with more questions later.'
According to Louise: "Children need permission to feel what they feel, and they need to know you can handle it" (Image: PA)
Children can often sense when something is wrong, and silence can lead to more confusion or fear. Begin by asking what they already know and how they're feeling, which will also give you a chance to correct any misinformation.
'Use simple, clear language and stay calm,' Louise advised. 'Remember that your tone helps regulate theirs, as children pick up on our tone just as much as our words. By staying grounded, we help co-regulate their nervous system, showing them through our presence that they are safe and held, even when the world feels uncertain.
'Repeated exposure to distressing images or stories can increase anxiety. For younger children, especially, I would say limit their access to rolling news or social media. Instead, let them hear information from you directly, in a calm setting where you can answer their questions and provide reassurance.
'You know your child best, but also look out for changes in sleep, appetite, mood, or behaviour. They might become more clingy, have nightmares, or show signs of regression like bedwetting or thumb-sucking. Some may withdraw, others might act out. These responses are normal in the short term, but if they persist beyond a few weeks or interfere with daily life, it's a sign they may need extra support.
She has advised using 'simple, clear language' and staying 'calm' (Image: Press Association Images)
According to Louise, "routine is one of the most powerful ways to help a child feel safe again", and she has urged parents to stick to "familiar daily rhythms like mealtimes, bedtime stories, or walking the dog signal", so as to reassure their little ones that "the world is still predictable and that they're secure".
She encouraged: 'Spend time together doing everyday things, even if they don't want to talk straight away. Connection doesn't always have to come through conversation, it can come through play, shared meals, or quiet time side by side.
'If your child does want to talk, try to simply listen. Resist the urge to fix things or brush over their fears. Instead, you might say, 'That sounds really hard and I'm so glad you told me.' When children feel heard, it helps them process their emotions more easily.
'If their distress persists, if they're having trouble sleeping, withdrawing, becoming more anxious or clingy, that's a sign they might need additional support. A psychologist can give them a safe, structured space to work through what happened at their own pace, with tools to regulate their emotions and rebuild their sense of safety."
Parents have been urged to look out for persistent signs of distress (Image: AP)
However, how you address this issue, and what's "safe" to tell them, will depend on a number of factors, including "their age, temperament, and emotional maturity". As explained by Louise: 'What's 'safe' to tell a child really depends on what a young child might only need to know, 'There was an accident and some people got hurt, but lots of helpers came and it's all over now.' Older children might want more context, and that's okay, but it's still helpful to be selective and to avoid speculative or sensationalised details.
'The goal isn't to hide reality, but to filter it in a way that protects the child's developing sense of safety and emotional regulation. These conversations don't have to be perfect. Instead, they just need to be open. Reassure your child that they can always come to you with questions, and you'll answer them honestly and kindly.
'When frightening events happen in public places, especially ones that are usually associated with fun and celebration, it can leave children feeling unsure about returning to those spaces. It's natural for them to have questions like, 'Will it happen again?' or, 'Is it safe to go to big events?'"
And when rebuilding your child's sense of safety, Louise has emphasised the importance of "acknowledging their fear", warning against dismissing their feelings. She urged: 'Don't dismiss it with 'Don't be silly' or 'That won't happen' instead, you might say, 'It makes sense that you're feeling a bit worried after everything that's happened.' Then gently reintroduce normal activities. Begin with smaller gatherings, or visit familiar places at quieter times. You don't need to rush them, let them take it at their own pace.
'Reassure them that events like this are extremely rare, and that so many people work hard every day to keep the public safe from police to event organisers. Highlight all the positive things that happened, too, like the helpers, the community support, and the kindness that followed.
'Children need stories of hope and safety to counterbalance fear. Most importantly, let them know they're not alone in their feelings, and that it's brave to keep showing up in the world even when things feel uncertain. That's how resilience is built; not by pretending everything is fine, but by finding our way forward with open and gentle support.' READ MORE: Moment Liverpool driver 'carried away' by ring of cops through panicked crowd