With the horrific elementary school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut today, many parents will have to talk with their children about this unfathomable news.
Below, we’ve collected some free reading resources for discussing this tragedy with the children in your life. If you have resources to add, share your thoughts in the comments section.
Talking to Children about Community Violence: advice from the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
National Institute of Mental Health: A free booklet that describes what parents can do to help children and adolescents cope with violence and disasters.
Child Mind Institute: Guidance for “Caring for Kids After a School Shooting”
PBS Parents: tools for talking with kids of all ages about these difficult stories.
Crisis Management Institute: free resources for parents, teachers and administrators
National Child Traumatic Stress Network: more tools for parents in the aftermath of a traumatic event.