Mental Health Awareness: Helping Children Cope with Violence
Wed, May 25, 2022
To our PofA Families,
Once again we find ourselves reeling from the recent acts of gun violence that have taken place the past 2 weeks. Such incomprehensible tragedies leave us shocked, grieving, and infuriated. They can also have a deep impact on our children, causing them to feel fearful and anxious. We hope you are able to find the resources below to be helpful, as many questions and conversations will likely happen at school and at home.
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) offers tips for parents to talk with children about violence.
Helping Children Cope with Terrorism from NASP offers tips for families and educators.
The American Psychological Association (APA) recommends honesty with children, acknowledging bad things do happen, but reassuring them with the information that many people are working to keep them safe. The APA also advises limiting children’s exposure to news coverage following such traumatic events.
The ChildMindInstitute explores ways to support your children while navigating your own emotions.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides resources that can be filtered by topic or keyword and by audience with a focus on how adults can identify traumatic responses in young people and how to support them.
We are here to address questions and concerns you or your children may have. Please let us know if we at Pediatrics of Arlington can provide your family with additional information or support.
The Pediatrics of Arlington Team
