Parents and other adults have an opportunity to turn a tragedy into a learning experience. It is an opportunity to become closer to the children and teens in your life by sharing this experience.
As a role model, your ability to share and communicate openly empowers the children and teens around you to express their feelings more comfortably, and it helps them to learn empathy and concern for others.
Communicating with families during a time of crisis is essential. It iss important for all the children to have the same information to avoid rumors, which start quickly.
Written communication is essential, even if the announcement is to be made verbally. It is important that everyone have the same facts. Written communication makes it easier to translate as well.
Children should be encouraged to tell what they have heard and understand so that rumors can be dispelled. There may be certain vocabulary that they need to have explained.
Summary: Grieving students do not need for you to become an instant counselor. They do need for you to be there for them by letting them talk about their fears, concerns and feelings. They need to feel safe and not judged by peers or supervisors.
Parents and other adults have an opportunity to turn a tragedy into a learning experience. It is an opportunity to become closer to the children and teens in your life by sharing this experience.
