Talking to Your Children About School Violence

Unfortunately school violence is the current topic in today's news, and your children are going to have anxiety about their personal safety at times. It will be important that you discuss their concerns openly, and answer their questions directly without excessive emotion that could increase their anxiety.

The National Mental Health Association has released a guide for parents that are wanting to discuss these tough issues of school violence, with their children.

• Encourage your children to talk about their concerns and express their feelings.
• Talk honestly about your own feelings regarding school violence.
• Validate the child's feelings.
• Empower the children to take action regarding school safety.
• Discuss the safety procedures that are in place at your child's school.
• Create safety plans for your child.

It is important that you monitor your children's behavior after discussing their concerns. You may note that your children are having difficulty sleeping, have a change in appetite, refuse to attend school, or display outbursts of aggression. These behaviors may be a way of how your children are expressing their anxiety and fear. If your children continue to display adverse behaviors for an extended period of time, you may want to contact a mental health professional for a consultation.

Until next week,

Gina