Our thoughts and prayers go out to all of those touched by Friday morning’s devastating shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary School, and while this senseless act has left many of us distraught, there are ways for all of us to help.
Talking to Your Children:
The biggest question children are likely to have is whether something similar can happen to them. Parents should reassure them and help them feel safe while also providing age and developmentally appropriate information.
Some tips:
• Take care of yourself first. Calm your own fears and anxiety before talking to your children. They pick up on your emotions. Your calm demeanor will go a long way to reassure.
• Turn off the TV and other media. Graphic details and images can be upsetting to all of us. Younger children may think the event is happening over and over. Tuning in for the latest is tempting. Pace yourself with the news. Listen in only when children are out of earshot.
• Consider the child’s age when deciding whether bring it up. Pre-schooler smay not know about the event and probably don’t need to know. Answer questions if they ask.
• Be pro-active with older children. You can start the conversation with, “You may have heard about…” Ask what questions they have.
• Help the child understand it is okay to feel sad or angry this happened.
• Reassure and emphasize their safety. Discuss steps adults in their lives take to keep them safe, such as their school’s safety plan and safety measures taken at home.
• Help your child find ways to cope with their fear and grief. Providing outlets like artwork or imaginative play can help them process their feelings. Draw on ways your family typically copes with a crisis such as sending a card, making a donation as a family to help the victims or praying together. If you or your child need additional help dealing with this tragedy, be sure to contact your doctor or mental health provider.
Reaching Out:
Individuals and classes throughout the Culver City Unified School District will be mailing cards and letters to show their solidarity and support for those touched by this tragedy. If you would like to join them in writing, send cards and letters to:
Sandy Hook Elementary School
12 Dickenson Dr.
Sandy Hook, CT 06482
The Newtown School Board is requesting that, in lieu of gifts, donations be made to the Sandy Hook School Support Fund at Newtown.uwwesternct.org
Or mailed to:
Sandy Hook School Support Fund
c/o Newtown Savings Bank
39 Main St.
Newtown, CT 06470
Keep in mind the first responders who have had also to deal with this tragedy. Letters of support for the police officers of Newtown may be sent to:
Newtown Police Dept.
3 Main St.
Newtown, CT 06470
Mr. Maleman may be contacted at gmaleman@aol.com
