pstrongstrongIn the wake of the tragic events in Newtown CT the Lafayette Township Fire Protection District wishes to extend its prayers to the families of those who lost love ones on December 14th. We also wish to remember in our prayers EMS Fire Departments and Police that responded to this horrible event. brppWe have found one resource to help you talk with your children about this event before they return to school on Monday.brppstrongspan styletext-decoration underlineSpeaking with your children spanstrongFrom a fcksavedurlhttpwww.empoweringparents.comblogcommunicationconnecticut-school-shooting-talking-with-your-kids-about-tragedyixzz2F7SGpaF7 hrefhttpwww.empoweringparents.comblogcommunicationconnecticut-school-shooting-talking-with-your-kids-about-tragedyixzz2F7SGpaF7Empoweringparents.comabrppstrong1. Get information but limit exposure to extended news coverage or images of the events.strongnbsp We would recommend limiting media exposure over the weekend.nbspnbsp It is important for everyone to stay connected and informed but watching images and hearing the news over an extended period of time isnt good for anyone.nbsp Seeing images of the school shooting will be disturbing to many kids especially younger ones.nbsp Turn off the TV and find other things to focus on.ppstrong2. Model healthy expression of emotions.strongnbsp As upsetting as this story is it is important to remember that our children will take their lead from watching the grownups in their lives.nbsp So approaching this quietly and gently will be more effective and hopefully help relieve some of the fear and anxiety they may be feeling.nbsp It is ok to be upset.nbsp If your children ask you might say something like this Im okay.nbsp Im feeling sad about what happened but we are okay.nbsp Spend some extra time taking care of each other this weekend.nbsp Be aware of how you talk about this tragedy.nbsp Children often overhear conversations between adults.nbsp Keep this in mind as you are discussing the events with other friends and family members.ppstrong3. Open the door to open communication.strongnbsp Listen to your kids concerns about the school shooting and what they are most afraid of. Reassure them that they are safe andnbsplet them know that incidents like this are rare. Acknowledge that sometimes bad things happen but remind your kids of all the people who are working to keep them safe.nbspnbspIf your child doesnt seem to know about the shooting you might still watch for signs that they are being affected by it and be prepared to talk about it as needed.nbsp Let them know they can come to you with questions.nbsp If your children seem anxious or upset support them in finding something comforting or familiar to do during the weekend.ppstrong4. Reach out for more help and information as needed.strongnbsp Talk with your childs teacher principal school psychologist or school counselor about your concerns.nbsp School officials are trained in helping children cope with tragedy and will be able to address this in context. Keep in close communication with the school as the week continues.nbsp There may be an opportunity for communities to do something to help in response to this tragedy.nbsp Sometimes the most helpful thing we can do in times like these is support each other and model open communication.brppYou can also find more information on talking with your children by following this linkbrpa fcksavedurlhttpwww.nmha.orggoinformationget-infocoping-with-disasterhelping-children-handle-disaster-related-anxiety hrefhttpwww.nmha.orggoinformationget-infocoping-with-disasterhelping-children-handle-disaster-related-anxietyHelping Children Cope with Tragedy Related Anxiety apbrp
