How to Talk With Children About Tragedy
Validate children's feelings and talk about safety.
Today's tragic school shooting in Newtown, Conn. has left many parents asking how to handle discussing events like this with children. Kristina Silvestry, MA, Counselor and Director of Berkeley Heights, NJ-based Peace of Mind Counseling and Wellness Center, said it's very important that first and foremost children feel safe. "Find out what they've heard and then really validate their feelings," Silvestry said. Silvestry advises against making dismissive statements such as "Everything's going to be fine." "You never want them to feel that they're wrong for feeling what they're feeling," she said. "You have to give them time and let them process it. Let them ask questions and parents can pull upon things like their faith or other coping …
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