A psychologist helps guide this unspeakably difficult conversation.
and marks more than 200 mass shootings so far in 2022. With so much violence , it's impossible not to wonder: How do we talk to our kids about school shootings?be talking to our kids when these tragedies take place. They need trusted adults to help them process their feelings and answer their questions. To help navigate these difficult and deeply nuanced conversations, Scary Mommy asked Reena B.
Jamie Howard, a psychologist with the Child Mind Institute, detailed what to say by age with CBS This Morning on Wednesday. Watch her advice below .According to Patel, reassuring your child involves sharing both facts and feelings. “Emphasize that schools are very safe. Validate their feelings — explain that all feelings are OK when a tragedy occurs. Let children talk about their feelings, help put them into perspective, and assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately,” she suggests.
Having a routine is also reassuring for children. A healthy response to tragedy includes making sure they are getting enough sleep, eating well, and remaining active when possible. Don’t push them during this time, says Patel, but do encourage them to stick with their regular schoolwork and extracurricular activities.You don’t have to pretend to understand why such violence takes place. It defies comprehension, and it’s OK to tell your child that.
You’ll also want to monitor your child’s emotions so they don’t veer into more problematic territory. Look for dramatic changes in their behavior, appetite, or sleep patterns that could indicate an unhealthy level of anxiety or discomfort. While symptoms should ease over time, you should seek professional help if you’re concerned at all that your child is struggling.Patel offers the following advice for broaching school shootings with your kids.
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