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American parents wondering how to talk to their children about violence in the United States after a gunner fired during a parade in the Highlands outside Chicago on July 4. There may be. Park Of course, neighbors and families were gathering to celebrate Monday's Independence Day.
The shooting killed seven people and injured at least 30.
This happened weeks after a shooter fired at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, Texas, and killed 19 children and two teachers. Did.
Despite the violent threats of the past, the father of a firearm possession card for a suspected shooter at Highland Park
Clinical Psychologists and experts provided professional tips toparents Caregivers as an example of tragedymay ignite conversations in the house.
Police officers walk downtown Highland Park On Monday, July 4, 2022, in the suburbs of Chicago, a shooting incident occurred during the July 4 parade at Highland Park. (AP Photo / Nam Y. Huh)
Here's how to talk to your child in an age-appropriate way.
For parents: First, Handle your feelings above all
" Our [own] feelings It's important to know where it is And before we start to communicate with our children, we have some thoughts on this.
Samar, Children's mood and anxiety Specializing in disabilities, talks to your loved ones and other adults, and suggests having the first conversation personally without children.
Dr. Samal is a parent and caregiver himself Thoughts, feelings, feelings surrounding news such as the shooting at Highland Park on July 4th, before discussing the event with the children. (iStock)
It helps if adults are calm about it.
Warn children when parents start sticking to these topics It can ring.
Parents and caregivers should "try to calm down and model." This is especially true if the child is more anxious than we want, or worried about violence, Samar said.
Remember that you are a reliable source of information
Many junior high school kids use social media.
Samar keeps children informed where and how, in case they are stitching together their stories about what happened and what was covered in the news. He said he would ask if he was consuming.
I want to talk to my kids about Highland Park. Other violent incidents need to ask how they are collecting information about the event to make sure it is true. (iStock)
"We want our children to get information about from us," she adds. rice field.
"Don't avoid this topic . Give me the opportunity to ask questions and handle what's happening in my head."
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Samar suggested talking about disagreements. True research journalism helps children build "a perspective and perception of what's happening to facts and clicks," she said.
Follow your child's guidance
Dr. Samar says parents are a reliable source of information, which means moms and dads need to give up information to their children. Said not or details that are not suitable for young eyes or ears.
"Please follow their lead instead," Samar said.
"For example, for some children, it's enough to say,'I'm sad and angry today because some people were injured in the parade.'" After that, the child opens the floor and asks a question. "
Brooke and Matt Strauss, married on Sunday, On Tuesday, July 5, 2022, we will pause after placing a wedding bouquet in downtown Highland Park on the outskirts of Chicago.(AP Photo / Charles Rex Arbogast)
In addition, restricting access to news coverage and social media may help the mental health of everyone, says Samar.
"And remember that your children are looking at you. If you model a healthy coping skill, they will follow your example," she said. "Watching the news is sad and confusing. Turn off the power and take a break. Do you want to take a walk together?"
What to do if your child is afraid of their safety That
"[to your child] Dr. Jill Emanuele, vice president of clinical training at the Childmind Institute in New York City to ensure they are safe now, Fox News in June. He told digitally.
"But unfortunately, that can happen."
Following a shooting at a Texas school in Yuvalde, Emanuele went to school. Suggested to learn about specificsafety protocols in — and include your child after you have those conversations.
In June, a Texas school shot in Yuvarde. Later, Dr. Jill Emanuele, vice president of clinical training at the Childmind Institute in New York City, said that parents can learn about specific safety protocols at school if their child is nervous about their safety. I told Fox News Digital that I could. Their children after they had those conversations. (iStock)
"Tell me" Let's work together to find out what the school plans to do to address these issues. Make sure you have all the information youyou need to keep you safe"she said.
Dr. Samar agreed that basic safety precautions help reassure the child, but "be careful," she said.
"If your child tries to stick to their safety, that's when they may be dealing with a little more anxiety," Samar said.
4 Tips for Raising a Child with Confidence: Parenting Expert
She needs a lot of peace of mind for her child If so, we recommend that you consider it. Ask your child to talk to an expert.
For safety tips outside of school, Samar suggested simple parent-to-child advice, such as "If you get lost and feel the danger, go here."
Avoiding Political Discussions with Infants
Dr. Samal says politics andgun control policiesare difficult topics for infants to consume and understand. Said.
"They come from good or bad places They can't see the gray area of things," she added.
Although toddlers do not understand political issues , Middle school and high school children may have already developed their opinions. Samar suggested helping her parents handle their thoughts and encouraging them to join the community government if they were passionate about it. (iStock)
Samar helps teens and junior high school students handle their thoughts if they are interested in political conversation. Was emphasized.
"You may want to talk about their political views, answer the questions they have, and consider helping them become active in the community government around them as an introduction." Said Samar.
Remind children that Americans are resilient
Dr. Mary Carapetian Alvord, director of Rockville, based in Maryland Alvord, Baker&Associates, LLC — and a psychologist specializing in the treatment of children, adolescents and adults — makes the event a “catastrophe” in front of a toddler who can only understand how “scary” the situation is. She advised her parents not to, she told FoxNews Digital in JuneTexas School Shooting
" 9/11 [Terrorist Attack] [about] I learned a lot after the support of the family and the community. The support that surrounds it, "he added, adding that it is still important to acknowledge sadness and sadness.
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Parents said, "'Terrible, [but ] You are here, you are safe, and these are what we are doing to stay safe, "she advised.
People often take action to show resilience.
Alvord said, "For young children, they may have a lemonade stand to raise money to help [victims and their families]. ".
Law enforcement agencies keep families away from the scene Taken at the Independence Day parade on July 4, 2022 in Highland Park, Illinois. Police say Robert "Bobby" E in connection with the shooting. Climo III, 22 years old, was detained. (Mark Borenstein / Getty Images)
Samar repeats the statement, with parents "activating change" in an age-appropriate way for their children. Said I can advise you to help.
"Many of us feel helpless," Samar said.
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"I We feel that's not the case, especially given that we have good control over what's happening around us and the kids can't participate . Give them the option to influence change. This gives them a sense of empowerment. ”
Nicole Pelletiere is FoxNews Digital's Senior Editor of Lifestyle.
