Dear Parents/Guardians:
Our thoughts are with the families and those affected by the violence that took place in Nova Scotia this past weekend. When an incident like this happens, we often wonder how to best support our children and youth.
Please take a moment to read the attached documents that may help guide a conversation with your family. We encourage you to talk with your son or daughter about any reactions and feelings they may have.
Key points to consider:
· Limit media exposure. Protect younger children from the saturation that comes from looping television images and social media as well as graphic coverage on TV.
· Talk through information that they might find disturbing. “What have you heard?” “What will help you feel safer?”
· Have a grasp of the facts and stop speculation that is outside of the facts.
· Recognize that kids may have fears right away while some process 5 minutes, 5 hours or 5 days later.
We understand that students may experience a range of emotions. For this reason, we are providing a list of resources you may wish to call upon:
Kids Help Phone: https://kidshelpphone.ca
Child and Youth Mental Health: http://www.ementalhealth.ca/index.php?m=record&ID=12959
Kelty Mental Health: https://keltymentalhealth.ca/grief-loss
Anxiety BC: http://www.anxietybc.com
Pacific Centre Family Services: http://pacificcentrefamilyservices.org
Here is a document with helpful coping strategies.
Here is a document with helpful tips for kids of any age from the Child Mind Institute.
If you feel your child would benefit from additional support, please contact your child’s school administration.