Coping with Tragedy

In the aftermath of the recent tragic events in Newtown, Connecticut, many of you will be spending time with children who may have questions or fears that you may need to address. Read below for a collection of trusted resources, compiled by Child Care Exchange, that may help you and the children you care for throughout this process.

• An EveryDayExchange article by Diane Levin: "When the World is a Dangerous Place — Helping Children Deal with Violence in the News"

• A New York Times article: "Tips for Talking to Children About the Shooting"

• Advice from National Child Traumatic Stress Network: "Talking to Children about the Shooting"

• Advice from the National Association of School Psychologists: "A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope"

• A resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services: "Tips for Talking to Children and Youth after Traumatic Events"

• Fred Rogers' advice from Family Communications: "Helping Children Deal with Tragic Events in the News"

• Advice from the American Psychological Association: "Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting"

Here are some additional resources that we have compiled that you may also find helpful during this time:

• Little Listeners in an Uncertain World: Coping strategies for you and your young child after traumatic events (PDF)

• Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood: Helping Children With Scary News

• Mister Rogers’ Neighborhood: Helping Children With Scary News (VIDEO)