It can be difficult to know how to respond to children’s exposure to violence in the news and the fear that arises for everyone after incidents such as the Paris attacks and recent shootings. It is best to let the conversation be directed by children’s questions, which will let you know their concerns and what they are trying to process. It is most important to reassure them about their safety and the wellbeing of loved ones. If a specific issue comes up for your child, I would be happy to support you in addressing that. Here are some resources to help guide parents:
Trauma response resources from the Unitarian Universalist Association
http://www.uua.org/re/families/disaster/281608.shtml
http://www.uua.org/safe/response/117164.shtml
“Talking with Children About Horrific News” by UU DRE Michelle Richards
http://www.uuworld.org/articles/horrific-news
"Helping children with scary news" from the Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood site
http://www.pbs.org/parents/rogers/special/scarynews-thoughts.html
The National Child Trauma Stress Network has many resources, including one specifically about talking to children about shootings and a page of resources about terrorism
http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/talking_to_children_about_the_shooting.pdf
http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-types/terrorism
“Helping Children Cope with Tragedy Related Anxiety” from Mental Health America
http://www.mentalhealthamerica.net/children-cope-with-tragedy
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