(added after original post went up)
This is what I do in situations like this. I try to be helpful as much as I can in ways that I know how. For today with this shooting, that means that I have tried to find some resources to help parents help their children who have heard/read/seen about the school shooting today and resources just for everyone in general. My mind has raced back to other tragic events like this all day. It is sending up lots of triggers of stress and anxiety for me. I just talked to Hubby who is feeling the same. My son (18) is not home – but I know he will be triggered by today’s events as well. For us, luckily we have had lots of therapy over other things that does help us cope with the feelings we have a bit more than some others – but it is hard for everyone.
Please be mindful that everyone deals with tragedy in different ways. You may feel strongly that someone else should or should not be doing what they are whether it be working, joking, crying, screaming, writing, shopping, or whatever. Most likely they are trying to do something that feels comforting to them – that comfort helps ease our pain, frustration and anxiety. Do your best to hold your tongue about how others react. Instead, spend that energy on sending positive thoughts or prayers to the families in Connecticut directly impacted by today’s events. Think of ways you can contribute to the peace our entire world needs. Hug your family. Hug your friends. Smile at others. Be compassionate. Be loving. Be Peaceful.
(original post and updated resources below)
After the shocking news about the school shooting in Connecticut this morning I thought some resources might be helpful. On the American Association of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry site they have some items that you might want to take a look at if your kids have seen or heard about this tragedy today. To often we think kids do not really know what is happening, but they are aware of a lot and without our help sometimes they come to some really scary conclusions. I hope you find this helpful.
UPDATE: Here is another resource about media coverage of tragic events as it relates to adults and children and suggestions. This from the National Center for PTSD
UPDATE: Distress Helpline is available to help you 24/7 deal with stress of disaster and tragedy.
- Call 1-800-985-5990
- Text ‘TalkWithUs’ to 66746 or ‘Hablanos” to 66746 for Spanish
- Visit: http://disasterdistress.samhsa.gov
- Facebook: http://facebook.com/distresshelpline
- Twitter @Distressline
- TTY for Deaf/Hearing Impaired 1-800-846-8517
UPDATE: Here is a blog post from Leticia aka Tech Savvy Mama who offers advice in talking to kids. She has first hand experience as she was teaching first grade when the tragic Columbine school shooting occurred and she had to help her students cope.
Sending positive and peaceful thoughts our for everyone.
© 2012, Robyn Wright. All rights reserved.
