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Talking to Children About Tragedies

The reality is that major crisis events are happening and in the media. We do our best to limit our children to media exposure with distressing images and news. However, it is difficult to shield them from what they overhear and what is being talked about. Children may be upset and confused. ASM has compiled links to some very helpful tips talking to children about tragedies and the media:

Talking to Children about Tragedies – Resource Links

Rutgers University Behavioral Health Care

http://ubhc.rutgers.edu/tlc/guidelines/educators/CopingwithCrisisHelpingChildrenSpecialNeeds.html

American Academy of Pediatrics

https://www.healthychildren.org/English/family-life/Media/Pages/Talking-To-Children-About-Tragedies-and-Other-News-Events.aspx

Dr. Michele Borba

http://micheleborba.com/talking-to-children-about-tragedies/

National Association for the Education of Young Children

http://www.naeyc.org/content/coping-violence   *Includes resource list

Child Development Institute

https://childdevelopmentinfo.com/how-to-be-a-parent/communication/talk-to-kids-media-violence/

Bright Horizons

http://www.brighthorizons.com/talking-to-children

PBS Television

https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/online-safety-tips-for-parents

The National Child Traumatic Stress Institute

http://www.nctsn.org/trauma-types/terrorism 

http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/appendix_tips_for_parents_with_schoolage_children.pdf   (printable info)

http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/appendix_tips_for_parents_with_preschool_children.pdf    (printable info)

7/2016

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