Sometimes it's hard to know what to say and do for your kids in the wake of a traumatic event. Here are a few tips for caring for children after a traumatic event:
- Provide children with opportunities to talk, but don't pressure them to speak - offer to listen when and if they are ready.
- Allow kids to discuss their fears and concerns, offer comfort and assure them they are safe.
- Answer questions appropriate for their age - keep it simple, and don't offer more information than is needed. It's ok if you don't know the answers.
- Maintain consistent routines and discipline as much as possible.
- Parents and caregivers should care for themselves as well, and reach out for help if needed.
We have a few additonal resources listed below, including some our professional counselor shared specifically for parents and educators. Please reach out to someone if you need help.
- When Something Scary Happens - PBS Kids
- How to Talk to Your Kids About Shootings & Senseless Violence
- Helping Children Cope With Frightening News
- What To Say To Kids When The News Is Scary
- Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
- Recovering Emotionally From Disaster
- Recovering Emotionally - Red Cross
- Talking to Children About Violence
- Tips for Helping Students Recovering From Traumatic Events
- GrievingStudents.Org - Talking With Children
- Children's Hospital of Wisconsin - Mental & Behavioral Health
- Disaster Distress Help Line
- Family Services of Waukesha (in-person & telehealth counseling services)
- National Alliance on Mental Illness - NAMI (Southeastern Wisconsin mental health services)
- For support through text message, text HOPELINE to 741741.
- For YouthLine, call 877-968-8491 or text TEEN2TEEN to 839863.
- For the National Parent Hotline, call 1-855- 4A PARENT (1-855-427-2736).