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Suggestions for parents on how to respond to a national crisis

National crisises may have an unanticipated impact on children, especially those with pre-exisiting vulnerabilities. 

In times of national crisis, children may be exposed to images and stories that provoke their sense of fear and helplessness. A few tips for parents are listed below:

  • With teens, watch televiosn with them and talk about how the media portrays the crisis. Limit famliy exposire to media and emphasize those who helped.

  • The rule is the younger the child, the less information they need. Ask them what they have heard and what they know, focus on listening to what they say.

  • Listening is often a way to show that you can handle these emotions and modeling that your children can too.Do not be dismissive of their feelings. Be careful about the things you speculate about, your children may be listening.

  • Acknowledge that you may be scared or saddened. Be careful about the things you speculate about, your children may be listening. Do not feel like you have to answer all your children's questions. Listening is the most important part. If you do not know, say you do ot know.

  • Even though we see these images on television, our country is generally safe. Again, empasize the role of the helpers.

  • Check in with your children about how they are feeling. 

  • National crisises may trigger their anxiety and be harder for them to process. Pay attention to their sleep and appetite.

 

As always, please contact the School Counselor if you have any questions or concerns.