NYSPEP extends our
wholehearted condolences to the families, friends, and communities who lost
precious loved ones in the horrific tragedy.
Concerned parents are asking
schools, day-care centers, and after school community programs about safety
procedures and preparedness. Is there an emergency-management plan? What safety
protocols are in place? Is there an alert-system? Are there practice drills?
These are just a few questions parents are asking school officials and program
administrators.
Parents may opt to shield
their child/ren from news about the mass shooting at Sandy Hook Elementary
School in Newtown, Connecticut. Children need a sense of safety! Nonetheless,
children may become exposed to information via peers at school, while visiting
a friend, seeing a tabloid headline, overhearing a grown-up conversation, etc.
Senseless acts of violence
can be especially difficult for adults to explain to children. How can parents and
caregivers address tragedy in a helpful way? How can educators, counselors,
clergy, community leaders, and other family helpers assist and support parents
with this difficult task?
NYSPEP has compiled a list
of resources for parents, families, and parenting and family support
professionals. Many of these singular resources contain additional tools and
resources.
If you know of a resource
or tool that would be helpful to include, please comment below or email
nyspep@preventchildabuseny.org
American Psychological Association Article: Helping Your ChildrenManage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting
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Brene Brown, Ph.D. – Ordinary Courage – Blog (a gentle presentation
of multiple resources): Prayers for the Sandy Hook Elementary School Community
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National Education Association Health Information Network: School Crisis Guide: Help and Healing in a Time of Crisis
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New York Life bereavement guide: After A Loved One Dies: How Children Grieve: And How Parents and Other Adults Can Support Them
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US Dept. of Education - Readiness and Emergency Management System for Schools PDF tip sheet: Helpful Hints for School Emergency Management
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Huffington Post Article: Co-authored by Lloyd Sederer, MD, Medical Director of the
New York State Office of Mental Health: Children's Mental Health After the Shooting in Newtown
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Massachusetts Children’s Trust Fund: One Tough Job (multiple resources): Nurturing Your Family – Changes & Transitions:Talking About Tragic Events
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National Child Traumatic Stress Network Toolkit (multiple resources) Terrorism: Catastrophic Mass Violence
---National Education Association Health Information Network: School Crisis Guide: Help and Healing in a Time of Crisis
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New York Life bereavement guide: After A Loved One Dies: How Children Grieve: And How Parents and Other Adults Can Support Them
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Safe Start Center PDF Guide (multiple resources): Healing the Invisible Wounds: Children’s Exposure to Violence – A Guide for Families
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Sesame Street PDF Guide for
Parents and Caregivers: Here For Each Other: Helping Families After An Emergency
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration PDF Toolkit (multiple resources): Resources for Children and Youth During or After a Disaster
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Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration PDF Guide (helpline resources): Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents,Caregivers, and Teachers
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Washington Post Article: School Shooting: How Parents Can Help Their Children Cope
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Zero To Three (multiple resources): Little Listeners: Helping Young Children Cope After Exposure to a Traumatic Event
CHILDREN’S BOOKS
"A Terrible Thing Happened: A
Story for Children Who Have Witnessed Violence or Trauma" by Margaret M. Holmes
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"The Boy Who Didn't Want to be
Sad" by Rob Goldblatt
teaches feelings such as happiness and sadness are natural experiences in life.
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"Is a Worry Worrying You?" by Ferida Wolff addresses children’s worries with
humor and imagination teaching the use of perspective and the art of creative
problem solving.
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"The Invisible String" by Patrice Karst teaches interconnectedness and
love to address fear of loneliness or separation
HOW TO HELP – DONATE – VOLUNTEER
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Newtown Parent Connection (grassroots organization to address substance use
and abuse among young people in the community): Donations and Volunteering of Clinical/Counseling Services
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