Tips for Parents

The following information is adapted from the National Association of School Psychologists and the Crisis Management Institute.

General Guidelines

It is beneficial for parents to use challenging situations as times to check-in with their children about their fears and thoughts, and to use the “teachable” moments to help them develop empathy, tolerance, resilience, and acceptance.

“Helping children cope”

1. Establish a sense of safety and security

2. Model calm and control; children take their emotional cue from adults in their lives

3. Normalize children’s reactions; it isn’t unusual for children to have a variety of feelings when challenges occur.

4. Let children know it’s okay to feel upset

5. Observe children’s emotional state; significant changes in behaviors, appetite, sleep pattern

6. Be truthful with your child, share age-appropriate information

7. Only provide the facts

8. Maintain a normal and consistent routine

9. Be optimistic; keep a positive view of the future and circumstances

10. Try to avoid excessive blaming; reinforce that most people are good and ultimately care about the same things; focus on what can be done to address the issue

11. Spend extra time reading or playing quiet games

12. Limit your child’s television viewing of these events

13. Monitor your own stress level and reactions

If you feel your child needs additional support please do not hesitate to contact your child’s principal, school social worker, school psychologist or classroom teacher.