Private: Helping Children and Youth Through Difficult Times

Talk honestly about the incident and share some of your own feelings about it. Children and teens need to feel informed when they see their parents and other adults reacting to a crisis.
Encourage children and teens to talk about their concerns and express their feelings. Some children may be hesitant to initiate such conversation, so you may want to ask what your child has heard and how they feel about it.
Limit television viewing of news reports, particularly for younger children.
Let children know that tragic incidents are not common and that, day-to-day, schools are safe places.
Spend extra time with your children and your family. Hugs help!
If you are concerned about your reaction or that of someone you know, talk to someone you trust . . . a friend, family member, school counselor, clergy, physician, local mental health center, or your own mental health professional.