Dear Friends,
It is hard to believe this type of article needs to be posted… again. Disbelief is the only word that applies to this most recent school shooting.
Churches, schools, movie theaters, sporting events all places where tragedy have occurred. Nothing is sacred. Evil touches everything. It loves to smear darkness over goodness.
Here are six recommendations parents can implement following a tragedy.
1. Turn off the television. It adds to the anxiety
2. Be calm and be present with your children. If your child is involved in sports or any other type of public event, their world may be shaken. They are looking to mom and dad to provide the security that has just been rocked. It is appropriate and good for your kids to see you are saddened by this but avoid showing BIG emotion.
3. Don’t feed the child’s fear, try to quell it. Maintain your normal routine but be sensitive. If your child is afraid make reasonable accommodations.
4. Be honest about the event but be wise in how much you share. You are the parent. You know your child best. Take his age and personality into consideration. Listen to his questions and answer what has been asked, avoid giving lots of detail. Listening is more important than talking.
5. If you can move your child to the place of helping others, he will be less likely to fearfully focus on his own situation.
