Experts Offer Parents Advice on How to Talk to Kids About the Texas School Shooting

After the deadly Texas school shooting, Americans are again debating gun safety, violence, and children's protection. The shocking and senseless death of 19 kids, mostly ten years old, is traumatic for the families in Uvalde, Texas, and families everywhere.

Psychiatrist Dr. Deborah Koricke told Cleveland 19 that she expects more parents and children to seek counseling because of this tragedy. She believes families will be anxious about their children's safety inside the school premises, and she also thinks that parents will be having many conversations about what happened in the Texas school shooting with their young ones.

Korickle advised parents to constantly remind their kids that they will do "everything they can" for their protection. She said that there is no point in lying about the school shooting to do away with a negative message. The expert said it's more important to reassure the kids that the adults will always find ways to have the situation under control.​​

Read Also: Life-Saving Cancer Drug for Kids Low in Supply After Pharma Companies Stopped Production

Navigate the Difficult Circumstances

Brittany Todd, a mental health counselor, said that families should discuss the tragedy to drive away their anxieties and fears. She told WXII that talking about it will help the children navigate the difficult circumstances, as tough as this topic might be.

Parents should also ask their kids how they feel and assure them that expressing their anger, sadness, or grief is OK because the rest of the world also feels the same. But Todd said parents must also encourage their kids to have an "attitude of gratitude," and this can be possible by opening up conversations about the things they can still be grateful for every day.

Moms and dads also need to pay attention if their children are manifesting changes in their behavior or mood, sleep patterns, and eating habits. While common, these reactions may become problematic if not addressed.

Aim to Get back to Normal

Psychiatrist Jane Ripperger-Suhler warned parents to be mindful of who is watching the news about the Texas school shooting with them. If their kids are of school age, they must be prepared for potential questions.

Ripperger-Suhler said parents must explain the tragedy in their "simplest yet factual way" without becoming frantic or gory. She told the Austin-American Statesman that parents may also share with their kids that they are upset without forgetting to end the conversation with a reassurance that they will still be safe.

Some children might have fears about going to school after this tragedy, and Ripperger-Suhler said that consulting a behavioral expert would be best for this situation. She said getting help from a professional will allow the kids to get on with their normal life while managing their fears and apprehensions.

Julia Hoke, another psychiatric expert, said that children will always take cues from their parents. So, if moms or dads are anxious and stressed, the children will see and reflect on the same feelings. She agrees with Ripperger-Suhler that while families should not ignore what happened, getting life back to normal is still important.

Related Article: Idaho Mother Creates Reese Strong Foundation to Raise Awareness on Food Allergy After Teen Daughter's Death