As healthcare providers dedicated to the well-being of children and families, collectively we sit with feelings of anguish and disbelief at the recent violent events in the national spotlight. We know that children are aware, listening and watching closely. They may experience sadness, anxiety, grief, helplessness or anger. The way in which adults in a child’s life approach these distressing events is important in helping them to cope and re-establish a sense of safety. Families may look to you for guidance in managing the distress and for resources to keep their children safe. In an effort to help children and families in your community as we grapple with the recent tragedies, Illinois DocAssist would like to provide the following resources:
Talking to children when the news is frightening
Resources
Talking to Children about the Shooting (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings- Strategies for dealing with anxiety- your kids and your own (En Español) (Child Mind Institute)
News and Children (American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatrists)
When The News Is Scary, What To Say To Kids (National Public Radio- Life Kit)
Restoring a Sense of Safety in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting: Tips for Parents and Professionals (Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress Department Uniformed Services University)
For Teens: Coping After Mass Violence(En Español) (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
Pause-Reset-Nourish (PRN) to Promote Wellbeing for professionals (En Español) (National Child Traumatic Stress Network)
