Resources for Coping with Newtown Tragedy

Our thoughts and prayers go out to all those who lost loved ones in the Newtown school shooting. As a parent of school-age children, I found myself wondering: what should I tell my kids?, how can I  comfort them?, how can I keep them safe? Below are some links that provide useful information for these and the many other questions and feelings we are all experiencing. In addition, courtesy of A Healing Trail Massage Center in Harwinton, "Here is a meditation recording for you and your family to use. Bring them together, sit down, turn off all the electronics and most of the lights, close your eyes and relax for 20 minutes together. This recording brings elements of PEACE as well as strength. Heal and help others heal!"

Meditation Recording

In peace,
Cathy Coyle, Executive Director of Brooker Memorial.

Dealing with Children's Grief and Fear

In addition to the children who were directly affected by events, news of this frightening tragedy will be difficult for all kids to understand. The following resources offer some guidance.

• Guide for Parents and Educators: Tips for Talking to Children and Youth After Traumatic Events
• Explaining Death in a Child's Terms
• Children's Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event (PDF)
• How to Help: Children's Grief Responses
• Children and Violence
• Children Now - Talking with Kids About TV News
• National Child Traumatic Stress Network
• Kids' Health: Anxiety, Fears & Phobias

Dealing with Trauma

• CT-Alive: Connecticut Alliance for Victims of Violence & Their Families  ct-alive.org
• Survivors of Homicide  survivorsofhomocide.com
• _{Coping With Stress Coping With Stress www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pub/coping_with_stress_tips.html}