- Turn off the TV! Please don’t let your children see the News about the tragedy in Las Vegas or hear the story on the TV!
- Model calm & control – Don’t talk on the phone or to your spouse about the crisis. Children hear more than we realize.
- Reassure children that they are safe. Point out that you are safe as well. Point out factors that show that you are safe. Create a safe space for them to ask you questions and talk about their fears.
- Honesty! Tell the truth – Don’t pretend the event did not happen or that it is not serious and terribly sad. They may worry if they think you are too afraid to tell them what is happening.
- Spend extra time with your children today and in the coming days. Do a special project together, take a walk or just be with them.
- Choose family time over spending time on your technology!!! Make this time to celebrate life, family and your community.
- Create opportunities for your kids to give back to the community. When we concentrate on the needs of others, we lower our stress levels. We feel part of our bigger community and we create space for joy.
- Prayer! Say a Prayer for the children and their families. Perhaps you are not religious, so you can recite a poem or make up a prayer with your kids. The act of prayer creates a sense of hope and creates a ritual helps establish a foundation to help your kids heal and process their emotions
- Keep your kids close to you, if that is what they need. If they want to sleep in your bed – suggest a slumber party on the floor of your bedroom.
- Respect your child and their feelings! Acknowledge their fears, sadness, and needs. Access their emotional state. Monitor their mood and stress levels. Look for signs such as trouble falling asleep, nightmares, escalation of fears, loss of appetite, unexplained anger and excess needing to know where you are.
- Help your children heal! Give them a way to express their feelings! Give your kids paper and crayons to help them express their thoughts. Or give them modeling clay or playdough to express their emotions.
- Create an emergency plan if something were to happen in their school. Do this calmer and with purpose.
- Take a moment for yourself to breathe and have gratitude for all that you have in your life. When we come from a place of gratitude, life’s journey is a little bit easier.
Most importantly, slow down, Breath and be present with your family! These are difficult times but love, making time to nurture your mind and body and remember to make room for laughter will help you and your children heal.
