Resources for Coping with Tragedy or Trauma

Description:

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network - Terrorism and Violence

Families and children may be profoundly affected by mass violence, acts of terrorism, or community trauma in the form of shootings, bombings, or other types of attacks. The impact will vary depending on the nature of the event and on the experiences of children and families during and afterwards. .

American Academy of Pediatrics - Talking to Children About Tragedies & Other News Events

The American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) encourages parents, teachers, child care providers, and others who work closely with children to filter information about the event and present it in a way that their child can understand, adjust to, and cope with.

Tips for Talking to Children and Youth after Traumatic Events

This printable PDF from the U.S. Department of health and Human Services offers concise tips for talking to children after traumatic events as well as resources for when more active intervention may be needed.

Helping Children Cope with Tragedy Related Anxiety

This web page, from Mental Health America (formerly known as the National Mental Health Association), offers tips for parents in helping preschool-age children, as well as grade school-age children and adolescents, with tragedy-related anxiety.

After the Crisis: Using Storybooks to Help Children Cope

Authors Cathy Grace and Elizabeth Shores offer literature-based activities to help children who have been through a trauma. With activities and exercises that can be used in conjunction with 50 children’s books, the discussion starters and writing and art activities in After the Crisis can be used by teachers to promote children’s ability to cope and heal.