How to Talk to Your Child About a Traumatic Event Like a School Shooting

Although it can be a difficult conversation to have with your child/ren, it is a necessary one. So how do you start? Where do you begin?

First, it’s important to process your own emotional response, and then you can begin by checking in with your child/ren to find out what he/she already knows. Then you can help them begin to identify their feelings.

Children learn from modeled behavior, so it’s important to model expressing how you feel about the situation. You can tell your child how you feel and ask them the same.

It’s important to also ensure that your child feels listened to and validated. Ask if they have questions, reassure their safety, and provide them support.

For the next few days ahead, you can also limit their exposure to the news and social media, observe their emotional state, and plan family activities for quality connection time they may need.

For more info and tips, please visit this link.

Share this post:

Email
Facebook
Twitter
LinkedIn