As a parent, how can I cope with my own feelings after a tragedy?
Last week’s mass shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas has left onlookers across the nation with a host of complex reactions — anger, grief, mourning, helplessness, disbelief. The aftermath of a school shooting can have a negative impact on the mental health of entire communities — even for people who were not directly impacted by the event. Constant media coverage can overwhelm us and lead to acute stress and fear for our safety — and for parents and caregivers, fear for our children’s safety.
These feelings can be incredibly tough to navigate, but as a parent, your first thoughts may be with your kids.
How can you explain such a terrible event when you yourself are feeling a loss for words? What can you say to calm your child’s concerns when you’re feeling your own uncertainty?
It’s natural to instinctively want to put your kids’ needs first, and it’s true that children can rely heavily on parental support in difficult times like the days and weeks following a tragedy or traumatic event. These are totally normal responses for parents, and it is our job to help our kids navigate these emotions and provide them with support. However, it’s equally as important to check in on your own mental health, too.
