- Acknowledge the Tragedy:
- Events like school shootings deeply affect children, even if they aren't directly involved.
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Parents should approach these topics with sensitivity, tailoring discussions to their child's age and emotional needs.
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Starting the Conversation:
- Admit your own feelings and let your child know it's okay to feel upset.
- Ask what they've heard and correct misconceptions.
- Use age-appropriate language to explain the event (e.g., "cSomething very sad and scary happened…").
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Reassure them they"9re safe and invite questions.
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Providing Comfort and Reassurance:
- Highlight school safety measures, such as locked doors and security protocols.
- Emphasize the care and dedication of teachers, staff, and administrators.
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Share how schools may be increasing safety in response to recent events.
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Building Resilience:
- Encourage open dialogue and availability for questions.
- Teach coping techniques like thought redirection and relaxing activities.
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Avoid distractions like video games or social media during processing time. Instead, focus on quality family time for comfort and healing.
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Limiting News Exposure:
- Continuous exposure to news can overwhelm kids. Turn it off to help them process at their own pace. \udcf4
- Reframe tragic events as part of life's story while fostering emotional strength to navigate future challenges.
Remember: During uncertain times, prioritize open communication, reassurance of safety, and intentional family time to help children process events and build emotional resilience.