Adults Can Help Children and Youth Through Difficult Times
Be open to your children’s questions, keeping in mind their age and level of understanding. Share some of your own feelings about it. It is not necessary to go into too many details. Children and teens need to feel informed when they see their parents and other adults reacting to a crisis. Here's some tips:
- Encourage kids to talk about their concerns and to express their feelings. Some children may be hesitant to initiate such conversation, so you may want to ask what your child has heard and how they feel about it.
- Limit television viewing of news reports, particularly for younger children.
- Let children know that tragic incidents are not common and that, day-to-day, schools are safe places.
- Spend extra time with your children and your family. Hugs help!
- If you are concerned about your reaction or that of someone you know, talk to someone you trust…a friend, family member, school counselor, clergy, physician, local mental health center or your own mental health professional.
Ideas About Discussions With Your Loved Ones...
More information: How can parents and teachers talk with children about the shooting at Deer Creek Middle School?