If you are like me, the events unfolding in Chardon, Ohio are deeply troubling and painful; the media are now reporting that the death toll from the high school shooting there on February 27 is up to three students. As we grapple with this senseless tragedy, we are sometimes at a loss for words when it comes to talking to kids.

 

CA Upper School counselor Liza Skipwith offers these tips and the link below provides additional information.

 

In helping students deal with the news of school shootings and crises, try and keep routines as normal as possible. Children of all ages gain security from the predictability of routine, including attending school.
 

1) Limit exposure to television and the news.

2) Be honest with your children and share with them as much information as they are developmentally able to handle.

3) Listen to your child’s fears and concerns.

4) Reassure your children that the world is a good place to be, but that there are people who do bad things.

5) Parents and adults need to first deal with and assess their own responses to crisis and stress.

6) Rebuild and reaffirm attachments and relationships.

7) If you have questions or concerns regarding your child’s response to this tragedy--please contact your child’s division school counselor.

 

 Click here for more information.