What do you recommend parents say and or do to help young children cope with tra

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   prektjr.dcposted 11 years ago

   What do you recommend parents say and or do to help young children cope with traumatic events?
   
   With the shooting today at an elementary school, many parents are without any idea on how to talk to children about the events and how to cope.  What are your recommendations?

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   JThomp42posted 11 years ago

   Without a doubt counseling. Counseling them through this will avoid so many problems that may arise in the future.

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      prektjr.dcposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      JThomp42,
         It is so true that counseling will be essential for all involved!  In addition, there will be new things popping up along the way!  Thanks for reading and commenting!

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      JThomp42posted 11 years agoin reply to this

      You are very welcome prektjr.d.

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   brightforyouposted 11 years ago

   Its incredibly insane that we live in a world where this can happen. However, its has, happened..again. There is going to be a very natural instinct in both parents and children to hold on very tight to each other this is good and natural - both are in shock; the mind can't go there yet.
   
   No one can erase what these children have seen and experienced; trust, innocence, naivity, and feeling of safety died in them today, along with the 20 who lost their precious lives. 
   
   Parents at this time can't use words.. there are none.. the most important thing is to hold and hug your children, you both need that closeness.
   
   The next step will come when it is ready.. the child will be confused, frightened and sad, may have nightmares, and may have PTSD symptoms.. so depending on what evolves, take all the help which will be available; counseling, therapy etc.. take it one hour at a time.. and God bless you all.

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      prektjr.dcposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      brightforyou,
        So very true, words fall short and the steps will be different for every child.  Thanks for reading and commenting!

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   cat on a soapboxposted 11 years ago

   There is no one thing to say except to acknowledge the terrible sadness and tragedy of the event. The most important thing is to be a good and active listener and to be there w/ hugs and physical comfort. Allow your child plenty of time to grieve and express fear. Be patient and kind. Pray together and offer to join others in grief and help. Be prepared to seek a good child psychologist if necessary. Churches offer counseling at  low cost  to those in local communities.  Time will eventually heal the emotional and psychological wounds, but there are apt to be permanent scars.

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      cat on a soapboxposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Here is a website for help   :http://www.n-din.org/ndin_resources/tipsheets_v1208/24_NDIN_TS_Children.pdf

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      prektjr.dcposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      Counseling will be essential to the healing process!  Thanks for your comments and the website!  God bless!

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   Angela Blairposted 11 years ago

   As adults it's difficult to comprehend -- much less understand -- what happened at the grade school in Newtown, Connecticut -- so how do we help children cope? As every child is different and must be approached/counseled differently according to their questions and their fears I'd suggest "gentle truth." A small child cannot sort out lengthy or detailed explanations about anything. Explain as succinctly, delicately  and truthfully as you can and then answer any questions the child may have. Perhaps the most important thing is making sure the child understands what should be understood and not adding anything unnecessary to such a dark subject.

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   phoenixarizonaposted 11 years ago

   Hug them, love them. Reassure them that they are safe, they are loved and answer their questions to the best of your ability.
   I can only imagine the horror the surviving victims are going through. Constant reassurance is key.

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      prektjr.dcposted 11 years agoin reply to this

      phoenixarizona,
         You are so right, it is a horror!  Constant reassurance will be vital, for months and for some even years.  Thanks for reading and commenting!

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   prektjr.dcposted 11 years ago

   Helping young children cope with traumatic events in their lives can be difficult.  Here are some simple ideas on ways to help.  Reassurance and answers to their questions will get things started. read more

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