How to Talk to Children About Tragedies by National Council on Family Relations

"This list of resources from reputable organizations can help families, educators and anyone working with children talk to kids about tragedies and violence. Click each link below to visit that particular web resource."

Lewiston Shooting: Social Story by Courtney Pride (Pride Pediatric Therapy)

"I created this social story surrounding the tragic events [in Lewiston] and wanted to share it with other practitioners and childcare personal to use this to talk to kiddos about what is going on! Stay safe and sending caring thoughts!”

STRATEGIES TO HELP CHILDREN DEAL WITH VIOLENCE by Futures Without Violence

“Here we are again. Devastated. Despaired. Saddened. Confused. Anxious. Overwhelmed. Outraged. The range of emotions that we are experiencing as parents, caregivers, educators, and adults who play a critical role in the lives of children and young adults can be extremely difficult to navigate, especially considering the constant barrage of heartbreaking acts of hate, violence, and discrimination that we find ourselves trying to make sense of – for ourselves, and with our loved ones."

Community Violence by Sesame Workshop

"Alan explains to Rosita what community violence is. It’s hard to know how to help young children understand and cope with the effects of violence in their own community, but there are ways to help them feel safer."

Talking to Children about the Shooting by National Child Traumatic Stress Network

 "The recent shooting has evoked many emotions—sadness, grief, helplessness, anxiety, and anger. Children who are struggling with their thoughts and feelings about the stories and images of the shooting may turn to trusted adults for help and guidance."

Parent Guidelines for Helping Youth after the Recent Shooting by National Child Traumatic Stress Network

“Children's and teen’s reactions to the shooting are strongly influenced by how parents, relatives, teachers, and other caregivers respond to the event. They often turn to these adults for information, comfort, and help. There are many reactions that are common after mass violence. These generally diminish with time, but knowing about them can help you to be supportive, both of yourself and your children."

Psychological Impact of the Recent Shooting by National Child Traumatic Stress Network 

"The combination of life-threatening traumatic personal experiences, loss of loved ones, disruption of routines and
expectations of daily life, and post-violence adversities pose psychological challenges to the recovery of children and families in the affected areas. The following issues may be helpful to consider..."

Restoring a Sense of Safety in the Aftermath of a Mass Shooting: Tips for Parents and Professionals by Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress

"Too often our children are exposed to violence that is both senseless and harmful. Many children, those living in close proximity to a tragic event, and those who will learn about the event through television, social media, or newspaper coverage, will be affected and upset."

When Scary News Shakes Her World by Girl Scouts of America

"We need to have honest, direct conversations with all our children to acknowledge that scary things happen but also to assure them that you and others are working to keep them safe. Here are a few tips for how you can have these conversations in your own home."

TED Talk: 3 Steps to Help Kids Process Traumatic Events by Kristen Nguyen

What do we say to kids when intensely traumatic events interrupt everyday life? Whether you're a teacher, parent or community builder, educator Kristen Nguyen provides three research-backed steps for navigating these difficult conversations, restoring a sense of safety and facilitating collective healing.

Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Families and Educators by National Association of School Psychologists

"High profile acts of mass violence, particularly in schools, can confuse and frighten children and youth who may feel in danger or worry that their friends or loved ones are at risk. They will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Adults themselves may struggle with the growing reality of mass violence in the United States, particularly gun violence. However, caregivers and school personnel have a responsibility to help children and youth feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security, reinforcing their natural resilience, and talking with them about their fears."

Offering Comfort in Scary Times by Sesame Workshop

"Ways to comfort children through scary times."

Teaching Young Children in Violent Times: Building a Peaceable Classroom by Diane E. Levin, PhD

"The new edition of this highly acclaimed book is a must for early childhood educators, parents, and policy makers. It helps teachers create a Peaceable Classroom, where children learn peaceful alternatives to the violent behaviors modeled for them in society. This extensively revised and updated edition features new material for a post-September 11th world including a new chapter on helping children deal with violence in the news."