School shootings are a tragedy that continues to happen around the nation. For the last two years, more school shootings have happened than many of us could name off from our entire lifetime, and that leads to a stressful situation for kids. One thing that is happening more frequently is that a childs school neuropsychologist is being brought in to schools after shootings to help children deal with the aftermath. Even if your child wasnt in a school shooting, the fact that they are happening so often could make any child feel anxious. Here are a few tips for handling the anxiety after such a tragedy occurs.
Be Sure to Give Your Child Space to Talk
Its very important that children can talk about whatever they are feeling after a school shooting. They need to be reassured that their feelings are valid, and that you are listening to their concerns. If you are worried that you arent the right listener for the job, consider setting up an appointment with the child school neuropsychologist. In New Jersey, this person is available to listen and talk to the children who have been affected by tragedies.
Make Sure Your Child is Taking News Breaks
Right after one of these events, the news becomes very overwhelming very fast. As news networks update viewers with more and more information that they are gathering, it can seem like the horrible details never stop. For a child that was either there, or was heavily affected by the event, all of these details can be very stressful. Be sure that they are taking time away from the news, and that they are still doing things they like doing.
Focus on Taking Care of Physical Needs
Another great thing to do for a child that has been through a trauma like this is to make sure they are having all their needs met well. Now is the time to double down on healthy foods, to make sure they are getting exercise and sunlight, and to enforce a good bedtime for a long night of rest. For older kids, be sure they arent turning to substances to help numb their feelings.
Help Them Stay Productive
Finally, while you do want to give your child room to grieve or feel their anxiety, its important to keep them productive in some way so that time continues to move forward with them. If you want more tips on this sad situation, contact child school neuropsychologist in New Jersey, Dr. Joshua Shifrin, at 123-966-0309. You can also follow them on Twitter for latest news and update!
