The Orlando shooting has made the citizens of the United States feel unsafe and worried constantly about possible next attacks but parents should be able to assure their children that everything will be alright as they remain positive.
Most children associate the city of Orlando as the happiest place on earth as it has Universal Studios in it but since the Orlando shooting at a night club that killed 50 and injured dozens, children have been exposed to reports about the murder and it is possible that they are questioning their parents about the incident.
Time shared that child development experts encourage parents to be honest with the incident although it is natural for them to say that they do not have all the answers. However, it is best that parents should show that despite being sad and upset about the matter, they are still calm. Also, parents should know when they should stop explaining as children vary in levels of anxiety and vulnerability. They could also shield their children from hearing more about the horrific incident by limiting their exposure to reports via different mediums.
For pre-school children, Harold Koplewicz of the Child Mind Institute, said that children at this age should not be too exposed to such subjects as they confuse it with fear. As for elementary-aged children, they should be reassured that they are safe and parents do not need to get too detailed with the facts of the incident.
Parents are also advised not to use frightening words and instead say that their child has nothing to worry about and the event is unlikely to happen again.
Experts are also saying that middle school aged kids are older and they are more knowledgeable about the events around them but they need to be around people who will make them feel safe. Parents are encouraged to answer their questions simply and reassure that adults are working hard to prevent things like this to happen again.
Lastly, high school kids should be questioned about what they are feeling when the child and their parent are doing an activity together so they won't feel they are being confronted. Parents should also remind them about what to do in case of an emergency and where they should go as well as who they should call.
Psychologist Dr. Janet Taylor also said in a statement that it is important to promote positivity and love instead of hate. She also noted that the main point of terrorism is to scare people into thinking they are not safe in their own homes so parents should not be consumed by that thought.
If your kids are aware of the Orlando shooting incident, how would you explain it to them? Your thoughts in the comment section below.
