With the world seemingly experiencing tragedy after tragedy, it’s important that we talk to our kids about traumatic events. With the recent mass shooting at Michigan State University, our community has been shaken. As mothers, we want to ensure that we have resources to talk to our kids about tragedies. Below you will find links and resources on talking to your kids about traumatic events.
Local Resources for Everyone
At this time many local resources are offering options to help you, or your children, navigate the past week’s events.
Everyday Wellness For Moms has several posts on talking to your kids about gun violence including a still graphic for easy points, a short video, and a longer YouTube video with resources.
Free Confidential Crisis Counseling from MSU CAPS
Spartan Student Support Groups from MSU CAPS
Talking to Your Kids About Traumatic Events
In conjunction with our Sister Site, Detroit Mom, below you will find many resources on how to talk to your kids about traumatic events.
National Association of School Psychologists
Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers
You will find tips for talking with children about violence, including how to be sure your discussions are developmentally appropriate. You can also find suggested points to be sure to touch on when talking with children.
Mitigating Psychological Effects of Lockdowns
This details what happens before, during, and after a lockdown. It may be beneficial to read as a parent to familiarize yourself with the procedures.
School Safety and Crisis
This is a list of additional resources on a variety of traumatic events, including natural disasters and a health crisis. While these resources were developed for schools and educators, they are available to the public.
Translated Safety and Crisis Resources
A comprehensive list of various safety and crisis resources, translated into many languages. Please reach out to them via e-mail at [email protected] if there is a resource you’d like to be translated.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network
Child Trauma Toolkit for Educators
This is an abundance of information for educators; a section for parents and caregivers. This aims to help parents understand child traumatic stress and childhood traumatic grief.
Talking to Children About the Shooting
You will also learn about reactions your children may have, and other ways to find help if you need it.
School Shooting Resources
This is a complete list of resources for talking about school shootings with children, including trauma and violence. Parents can search for resources based on specific keywords or topics.
Child Mind Institute
Anxiety Over School Shootings
While this article touches on what to say to your child about a school shooting, it also mentions what you can do for yourself to manage your anxiety about the situation.
Caring for Kids After a School Shooting
This is a short video you can view to learn about helping children after traumatic events within a school.
Helping Children Cope with Frightening News
These are helpful tips for talking with your children, including how to start the conversation and how to help them express how they are feeling.
Going Back to School After a Tragedy
These are tips for helping your child to feel ready to return to school after a traumatic event has taken place.
American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
AACAP Resource Library on Guns and Violence
This is a list of resources to browse, many of which focus on these topics and how to help children. You will also find advocacy opportunities and additional resources from peer organizations.
American Psychological Association
Talking to Your Children About the Recent Spate of School Shootings
This is a quick read on how to speak with your children on school shootings. It also includes an important note on recognizing the warning signs that your child may need more help understanding.
Various Other Organizations
Common Ground | Common Ground is a local organization with the motto of “helping people move from crisis to hope”. They can be reached 24/7 by phone at 1 (800) 231-1127. On their website, you can find residential treatment centers (for children and adults) and safe shelters to go to, as well as support groups.
North Oakland Community Coalition | Community Resources for Mental Health
Through the NOCC website, you will find a list of community resources that are focused specifically on mental health services. The list includes counseling agencies and crisis hotlines.
Mental Health America | Talking to Kids About Fear and Violence
These conversations can be difficult. MHA offers many helpful suggestions for how to navigate these difficult conversations with your children.
youth.gov | Federal Resources for Helping Youth Cope after a School Shooting
This is a link to a list of various resources from many organizations, including some U.S. Departments.
JW.org | Help Your Children Deal with Disturbing News Reports
This offers a look into how children may be affected by this kind of news, news anxiety, and what to do if your child witnesses a tragic event.
Common Sense Media | How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings
This guide contains a breakdown of different age groups, and how best to talk with children of that age, including what to say and what to do.”
