Since the tragic events in #NovaScotia I have been frequently asked how #parents can talk to their #children about this horrific situation. Here are some key considerations that may help. If you think that some of these can be valuable for others, please pass them on. Thread👇
Signal that you are open to talk. Ask what they have heard about. Ask how they are feeling. Validate their feelings (OK to share how you are feeling also). Correct false information. Take the time to listen. Don't text, email, do chores, etc. Listen with full attention.
Reassure that they are safe, that you, family, their friends and pets are safe. Clarify the level of probability – 1 out of 36 million people and once in over 155 years. This promotes cognitive processing.
Underscore that it’s normal to feel upset, sad, shocked and to cry when things like this happen. Teach bad things can happen to good people but this kind of thing mostly does not.
Model adaptive behavior even if you are feeling emotionally exhausted. Children learn how to master difficult emotions from their parents. Reframe the discussion to the heroes of the event-the police officer &people who died trying to save others, how the perpetrator was caught.
Limit access to media/tv/screens. Don’t speculate about why this happened. We have no idea and lack sufficient information. We may never know. Return to normal routine ASAP. If your child knew someone who died, join in the remembrance activities underway. Utilize @KidsHelpPhone
It's normal for your child to experience sleep disturbance, crying spells, clingy behavior, stomach/head aches, irritability, bad dreams, concentration problems and/or anger. If these persist after about 4 weeks reach out for #mentalhealth care.
Teens are at risk of turning to substances or having suicidal thoughts. Seek mental health care if those occur.
#NovaScotiaStrong
#NovaScotiaStrong
