A Rochester child psychologist is offering some strategies on how parents can talk with their children about Friday's tragic shooting at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut. Jody Manly, the clinical director of the Mount Hope Family Center, says if the topic of the mass shooting come ups, parents should ask their child what they already know about it and remain open about their response.
"Let them know that the parent is there to support the child," Manly says. "Maybe even using some simply words like 'Mommy's here' giving them some reassurance that they are safe and helping the child to put their feelings into words."Manly also notes it's important to discuss the disturbing event in an age appropriate way. That's keeping the information simple and hugging them. Manly says parents should monitor their children's exposure to media coverage.
Another psychology from the University of Rochester Medical Center says parents shouldn't be surprise if their child is nervous getting on the bus next week. He also says the tragic incident can cause kids to have nightmares, stomach or headaches, become clingy or have trouble going to sleep.
Families can learn more on how to speak with young children about disturbing news by visiting the National Child Traumatic Stress Network website.