How to Talk to Your Child About the Newtown School Shooting

By Leslie Petruk. Posted on Dec 15th 2012.

10 Things to consider when talking to your children about the school shooting.

9. Help your children instill the values you hold as a family. Pray together, light a candle, talk as a family about the events and the feelings you all have around the tragedy. Helping your child learn how to grieve, calling on your faith/spiritual beliefs in times of uncertainty, and connecting as a family will help you all feel closer as a family and provide something you can do in a situation that feels out of your control.

10. Provide consistency, support, love and nurturance. Consistent routines help children feel safe. Unfortunately, as parents we can't shield our children from learning about bad things that happen in the world. But we can help them learn how to get through them. Knowing you are willing and able to be there for them when they feel scared goes a long way in helping them find a sense of security.

It's tragedies such as this that we all face the reality of what a broken world we live in. I think all parents are hugging their kids a little tighter and saying more prayers for their continued safety. Let's all continue to pray for those families who lost their precious child or family member and can't give them a hug tonight...you are all in my thoughts and prayers.

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Leslie Petruk

Marriage and Family Therapist

Leslie Petruk is a Child & Family Therapist

Location: Charlotte, NC

Credentials: BCC, LPC, MA, NCC

Website: http://www.steppingstonesnc.com

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