Connecticut school shooting: Edmond psychologist offers advice to parents

Q: How can something like the school shooting in Connecticut affect children as far away as Oklahoma?

A: Indirect exposure to traumatic events, such as the Connecticut school shooting, can occur through the media. When children watch television stories or access information online about a tragedy, it can make them feel unsafe, even if that event happened far, far away. This media exposure can affect adults as well, and children can be very sensitive to how their caregivers are feeling.

Q: What kinds of questions can parents expect from their children in the coming days?

A: Children's questions may range from concrete questions about the details of the tragedy to more difficult questions regarding why horrible things like this happen. Many children who have heard about the shooting, whether they ask it directly or not, may wonder about their own safety. Will something like this happen at my school?

Q: How can you respond to those questions for younger children?

A: Before answering children's questions, it is good to do a bit of questioning yourself to find out what they know or think they know about the shooting. This approach allows you to correct any rumors or misconceptions. Give your answers in easy-to-understand language without a lot of elaboration. Let your children lead the discussion so you can answer only what they really want to know and not overwhelm them with in-depth information. Answer each question simply, then wait to see what they want to know next. Sometimes when young children ask questions, we assume they want to know more details than they actually do.

Q: What about for teens?