When tragedy strikes it’s difficult to know what to do, especially when it comes to comforting children. Director of Clinical Services Dan Arnold prepared this short guide to parenting after a tragedy. If you need additional guidance or support we’re here to help. Call 770-677-9474 or jfcsatl.org/counseling.

·      Have your own support system and self-care practice

·      Encourage your kids to feel their feeling & share your own – give permission to feel and validate those feelings

·      Turn off the media coverage and monitor online activity

·      Start a dialogue but modify the conversation based on your child’s developmental readiness

·      Don’t make promises that you can’t keep

·      Establish (maintain) rituals that promote safety and security

·      Allow your children to ask questions

·      Be honest

·      Check back in

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