Severn School Headmaster Offers Tips for Coping with Tragedy

In the wake of the mass shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, CT, the Severn School is providing some tips for talking with children about tragedies.

“In the face of such a tragedy, we not only think of those who are immediately impacted by the terrible event, but also wonder how to address such atrocities with our own children as they work through the emotions that are brought forth in them,” wrote Doug Lagarde, Severn School Headmaster, in an email.

In order to help parents talk with their children about the tragic events, Lagarde offered an article written by Dr. Robert Evans, a clinical and school psychologist. Lagarde said Evans offers practical advice for dealing with difficult and tragic situations that may alarm children.

However, Lagarde acknowledged there is not clear path for coping with a violent tragedy like the one at Sandy Hook Elementary School.

“There is no right answer, and families will make their own judgments as to if, and how, they speak to their children about the events in Connecticut,” Lagarde wrote.

The following are a few tips offered by Evans in his article “Helping Children Cope with The Newton Shootings”:

• Don’t over assume what the event means to your kids.
• Children and adolescents are remarkably resilient.
• If you child asks questions, be sure you clearly understand what he or she is asking.
• There may be questions you cannot answer.

You can read more of the article, “Helping Children Cope with The Newton Shootings” by clicking here.

For complete coverage of the Sandy Hook shooting visit Newtown Patch.

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