Teach Kindness

Teach kindness; this is what children do. They teach adults how much fun rain and mud can be. They teach us about the beauty of cardboard boxes. They teach us how to love unconditionally with the courage and strength even the strongest army couldn't touch.They teach us how laughter is music. They teach us how life is a gift. They teach us how, in the saddest moments, a smile is a gateway for hope to enter. And so it is our job to reciprocate that learning for them. It is our job to teach kindness.

If you work with children in any capacity and they are wondering about the recent tragedy in Newtown, Connecticut there are ways you can talk though the devastating events and support them through this time.

Here are some conversational and tangible resources. Please feel free to share with others:

• Here is a list of children's books and online resources that deal with grief and loss. There's also a chapter book Mockingbird, by Katherine Erskine, which tells the story of a child with Asperger's who is dealing with the loss of her brother from a school shooting. It won the 2010 National Book Award for Young People's Literature.
  
  http://classroombookshelf.blogspot.com/2012/12/childrens-books-on-grief-and-loss.html 
   
• These ideas were shared by the Friends School of Atlanta [FSA]):
• Shelter younger children from graphic media reports
• If your child/student asks about it, try to stay calm, and choose a quiet place with few distractions
• Stay as calm as possible; children pick up on the feelings of others
• Focus on your child/student's feelings and thoughts, without judgment or suggestions
• Reassure your child/student, and try to help find ways of coping, such as discussing how your student is protected, and what positive actions your student might be able to take
  • Talk about safety measures being taken; the National Crime Prevention Council publication shown below might be helpful for this discussion
  • Talk about your family's safety rules and plans
• Maintain routines and structures; they are reassuring during times of stress
• Provide facts, in keeping with your child/student's age and maturity
• Open a way for your child/student to communicate new thoughts and fears as they arise
• Give plenty of hugs and attention, even if your child/student does not show outward signs of distress
• Take advantage of organizations providing help:
  • The Lucy Daniels Center gives age-specific suggestions
  • Mental Health America also offers suggestions, along with a list of signs that indicate a child may need help
  • The New York Child Study Center has published a report, "Caring for Kids After Trauma, Disaster and Death: A Guide for Parents and Professionals"
  • The National Crime Prevention Council offers "Stopping School Violence: A Dozen Things..."

The National Association of School Psychologists offers "Talking to Children About Violence: Tips for Parents and Teachers"—this publication provides a helpful list of talking points.

Our thoughts and prayers remain with the family, friends, and town of Newtown, Connecticut. 

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