High profile acts of violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved-ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears.

• Reassure children that they are safe.
• Make time to talk.
• Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate.
• Review safety procedures.
• Observe children’s emotional state.
• Limit television viewing of these events
• Maintain a normal routine.

A series of free, evidence-based video and print resources that caregivers and educators can use to teach their kids critical mental health and coping skills. The project was born of an innovative partnership between the state of California and the Child Mind Institute.

• Understanding Feelings: Students will learn that better understanding and recognizing their emotions can be an important first step toward healthy coping and deeper relationships.
• Relaxation Skills: Students will learn specific relaxation skills, such as paced breathing, that they can use when experiencing intense or uncomfortable emotions.
• Understanding Thoughts: Students will learn about connections between their thoughts, feelings and behaviors and how they can change thinking patterns to make them more helpful.
• Managing Intense Emotions: Students will learn to recognize and manage intense emotions without giving in to the urge to act in impulsive ways that can make problems bigger.

The Child Mind Institute has prepared free trauma resources to aid parents, educators, and other adults in talking to children and adolescents about potentially traumatic events and identifying those who might benefit from more focused professional attention. Our children can be more sensitive to challenges around them because of their life experience and they need our support. We hope these resources will be of assistance in a trying time, and that you will share them with anyone you think might benefit. And remember to take care of yourself; your children depend on you most of all.

When tragedy strikes, it can be hard to deal with your own grief and distress while helping your children do the same. But there are things you can do to help kids handle scary news. To break the news about an event that kids might see on the news, don’t wait to tell them. It’s better for them if you’re the one who tells them. Here’s what the article covers:

• Break the news
• Take your cues from your child
• Model calm
• Be reassuring
• Help children express their feelings
• Be developmentally appropriate
• Be available
• Memorialize those who have been lost