In light of yet another tragic school shooting across the country, Redwood City School District staff have put together some resources for families to help them cope with violent events, where the youngest members of the household feel safe, understood and equipped with tools to help them cope with possible fears and anxiety.
"While we mourn for the families and community of Robb Elementary in Uvalde, Texas, we also recognize that this type of unexplained violence causes stress and fear for teachers, students and families across the country," the Orion school detailed in a brief message to parents.
He detailed that, given the profound impact left by the tragedy, all those parents who need additional support with students experiencing symptoms of stress or anxiety can contact school counselors.
Among the tools offered by the Redwood City School District are:
How to talk to your child about the newsIn this virtual space, the behavioral health psychologist at Nemours Children's Health, Meghan T. Walls, explains and supports parents in explaining to their children what happened.
And, he says, children learn about what is going on in the world through social networks, friends or adult conversations.
Sometimes, she cautions, the news is encouraging, like children her age taking a stand on social or environmental issues. At other times, however, minors may be concerned about current events, such as the recent school shooting in Texas, and need an adult to help them understand what is happening.
Something terrible has happenedThis video, presented through the YouTube platform, presents the book by author Margaret M. Holmes, where she visually and audibly addresses how a trusted adult can support a child in coping with challenging experiences, thoughts and feelings in their lives.
Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth After Recent ShootingThe purpose of this document is to support parents or guardians of children and adolescents, especially with the management of time to deal with a tragedy such as the one experienced in Uvalde, Texas.
"Children and adolescents may react differently to the shooting depending on their age and previous experiences. Expect that young people may respond in different ways, and be supportive and understanding of different reactions, even when you have your own reactions and difficulties," details the text issued by the National Child Traumatic Stress Network.
Talking to children about gun violence: Dr. Eugene Beresin's publication that was issued by Psychology Today magazine addresses how most children, like their parents, are anxious about the recent wave of gun violence.
He cautions that it is very important to talk to minors about shootings and tailor your conversations to their developmental levels. "Be sure to discuss the rules for gun safety in the home and in the community."
Tips for Parents on Media CoverageWhile the media - television, radio, print and Internet - can help inform and educate you and your children about the recent shooting, unfortunately, media coverage also has the potential to upset and confuse. As parents, you can protect your children by helping them understand media coverage while limiting their exposure to distressing images.
How to Talk to Your Child About Gun Violence and School ShootingsGun violence. School shootings. Active shooters. These phrases stir fear and anxiety in the hearts of parents nationwide. In fact, most parents would prefer to simply not think about them. But unfortunately, issues like gun violence and school shootings are unavoidable. This text helps parents touch on the subject with their children.
How to help your children deal with distress after a shootingAs a parent, you may have difficulty talking to your children about a community shooting at a school or elsewhere. It is important to remember that children look to their parents to make them feel safe. This is true no matter what age your children are, whether they are toddlers, adolescents, or even young adults. The American Psychological Association text created in 2019, helps parents deal with the information gifted to their children with respect to anxiety and distress.
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