05/25/2022
While driving home tonight I learned of the devastating and heartbreaking news of the elementary school shooting in Texas that occurred earlier today. As we start to process this event it is important to think about ye impact this may have on your child.
While we often want to shield our children from the ugliness of the world, it is important to remember that kids are always listening. Throughout the course of their day they will hear the news, the radio, adult conversations, friend conversations and may have access to online media. They will start to put the pieces together that a place that was once safe is no longer and that children who attended school, as they do every day, have been killed.
It is more important than ever that you, as their parent/caregiver, control the narrative around this event and other tragic events that our country/community may face. It is important to talk with your child(ren) in age-appropriate language, validate their feelings and allow them the opportunity to ask you questions. Not talking about what has happened does not change that it happened; it simply hinders your ability as a parent/caregiver to be your child's "go-to" for help, guidance and support in difficult times.
Below is a resource from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network that offers some insight into how you can support your child through their emotions specific to school shootings.
