Coping with Violence

Our hearts go out to the family members and others affected by the tragic school shooting in Newtown, Connecticut. We’ve compiled these online resources for parents, teachers, and others working with young children about coping with violence and talking to young children about tragedies they learn about in the media. 

The National Association of School Psychologists - Resources to cope with violence
Resources on talking to children about violence, tips for parents, teachers, and school administrators, dealing with a death in a school and more. The Association has listed some of these key resources on their home page for quick access. 

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network - Tips for talking to children about the shooting
Resources on talking to children about the recent shooting, information about the shooting's psychological impact, tips for parents on media coverage - includes tips specific for preschool-aged children.

The National Education Association - School crisis guide
The National Education Association (NEA) and the National Education Association Health Information Network (NEA HIN) developed this easy-to-use crisis guide with essential, to-the-point advice for schools and districts.

American Academy of Pediatrics - Talking with children
Resources to help parents talk to children about violence and disasters.

Child Care Aware - Helping families and children cope
In the wake of any kind of emergency or disaster - large or small - children and adults may feel anxious about their own safety and security. Child Care Aware offers resources for Parents, Caregivers, School Professionals and more.

American Psychological Association - Helping children manage distress
As a parent, you may be struggling with how to talk with your children about a shooting rampage. It is important to remember that children look to their parents to make them feel safe. 

National Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry - Coping with tragic events
In hopes of helping families cope with such tragic events AACAP created a collection of resources including tips for talking to children about Connecticut school shooting.

Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration - Coping with violence and traumatic events
This web page includes information about the Disaster Distress Hotline, the nation's first hotline dedicated to providing disaster crisis counseling. It also includes articles for students, parents, teachers, and other caregivers, and for responders and health professionals.

Sesame Workshop - A resource for parents and caregivers
"Here for Each Other: Helping Families After and Emergency" is a resource that includes tips, ideas, and activities to help adults and children cope with disasters.

Helping Children Deal with Tragic Events in the News - Timeless wisdom from Fred Rogers for parents, teachers, and caregivers
In times of community or world-wide crisis, it’s easy to assume that young children don’t know what’s going on. But one thing’s for sure, children are very sensitive to how their parents feel. They’re keenly aware of the expressions on their parents’ faces and the tone of their voices.  

Tips for Talking to Children and Youth after Traumatic Events

Subtitled “A Guide for Parents and Educators,” this printable PDF contains concise tips for talking to children after traumatic events as well as resource links when more active intervention may be required. 

Helping Children Cope with Tragedy-related Anxiety
This web page, from Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association), offers tips for parents in helping preschool-age children, as well as grade school-age children and adolescents, with tragedy-related anxiety.

After the Crisis: Using Storybooks to Help Children Cope
Authors Cathy Grace and Elizabeth Shores offer literature-based activities to help children who have been through a trauma. With activities and exercises that can be used in conjunction with 50 children’s books, the discussion starters and writing and art activities in After the Crisis can be used by teachers to promote children’s ability to cope and heal.

Media Coverage of Traumatic Events
This web page discusses research findings that link watching media coverage of traumatic events with stress. The article gives viewing recommendations and other advice for parents of young children.

CAEYC Congratulates the 2012 Outstanding Service Award recipients!