United Way Offers Help in Sandy Hook Aftermath

From Trident United Way:

The unthinkable tragedy at Sandy Hook Elementary School is challenging parents and schools throughout the Lowcountry to speak to their children appropriately. It’s a delicate balancing act.

Fortunately, there are many resources to help people cope.

Charlotte Anderson, vice president of Trident United Way’s 2-1-1 Hotline and a leading local expert on communicating in the wake of traumatic events, says parents need to address the issue with their children.

“For parents, the question is often - how do I help my kids with this? Below are some brief tips for parents wondering how to support or explain such things to kids,” she said.

Here is a quick overview of how best to approach the issue:

1. Parents - remain as calm as you can - and be honest about your emotions and what you do to cope at a level appropriate to their age - as this can model healthy behavior. Let them know a terrible thing has happened and that adults are working to help everyone affected.
2. Listen – gauge your kids’ questions. Give them the information you can, and be careful not to overload them. Tell them there are some questions we don't have the answers to. Encourage them to express their feelings.
3. It is not helpful for young children to view news, video or photos over and over. It's probably not best for any of us.
4. It is helpful to have as much of a normal routine as possible.
5. Give extra love and hugs - tell kids they are safe and you will always work to protect them.

Parents seeking guidance about how to shape the discussion based on children’s ages have a grat resource: SAMHSA’s Coping with Violence and Traumatic Events: http://www.samhsa.gov/trauma/

Trident United Way has made this resource available to area schools and child care centers. And of course, anyone in need of information and support can dial 2-1-1 anytime for free, confidential service from Trident United Way’s 2-1-1 Hotline.