How to Talk to Kids about Tragedies

This morning when I saw the news feed on my computer and realized that a shooting had taken place in Colorado.   Innocent victims had lost their lives, reportedly including children and I was brought back to the tragedy in Tucson.

 It doesn't feel quite the same when it is not right in your community but I felt like I had more empathy, having experienced the Safeway shooting in my hometown.  I am deeply saddened that I had to be reminded at all by another horrible event and my heart goes out to all of the people in that community.

My kids heard my Mother asking me about it.  Even very small children will overhear conversations among adults or on the news and they will likely ask questions.  I decided to look at some professional ideas for helping children through these times that are difficult for all of us and probably even scarier for our little ones.

I found this brief and easily understandable article and I thought I would share it with all of you. This blog is normally dedicated to fun events and money-saving deals however, I felt as a mother this information was very helpful and I hope that all of you do as well.

How To Talk To Your Kids When Tragedy Strikes

Submitted by judi on July 20, 2012 - 3:34pm

As parents we are sometimes put in the position of talking to our kids about difficult issues when we ourselves are not necessarily comfortable with these topics. On the heels of the Colorado shooting last night I thought I'd offer up 6 tips to help parents talk to their kids about tragedy.
1. Ask Questions
Don't assume you know how your child feels.  Parents are notorious for projecting their own feelings onto their kids.  Ask them lots of questions like what they heard, how it made them feel and if they have any questions for you.
2. Encourage Them To Express Their Feelings
Don't stifle their emotions.  It's healthy for them to express how they feel.  If your child has difficulty with this then help them find the words to label what they are feeling.  You can say things like "it sounds like you are sad" and then wait for a response before jumping in.  Download a feelings list online if you need help.
3.Normalize Their Feelings
Once you know how they feel it's important to tell them that what they are feeling is perfectly normal and that most people feel exactly the same way.
4. Reassure Them Of Their Safety
Even if it feels like a lie, it's important to help them reclaim a sense of security.  Tell them that the government, law enforcement or whomever is doing everything to ensure their safety.
5. Take Action
Whether it be donating to a relief fund or drawing pictures and writing letters to victims, help your child take action.  This helps move them from feeling like helpless bystanders to actively helping.  This is very empowering!  A few years ago a neighbor of ours lost their home and all their belongings in a terrible fire.  Rather than feel sad and helpless my kids and I gathered up clothing, toys and sporting equipment for the family and donated it to them.  Needless to say this made everyone involved feel so much better.
6. Use It As An Opportunity to Teach
Depending on the tragedy it's an opportunity to talk to your kids about their own safety.  tell them that although most people are nice and kind there are people who may look safe but may not be safe.  Remind them to trust their instincts and that if they see something suspicious to tell a trusted adult and if that adult doesn't listen to find an adult who will. Speaking up can help prevent a tragedy.
Judi Willard
Licensed Psychotherapist( http://www.sayplease.com/blog/how-talk-your-kids-when-tragedy-strikes)