Image Description: Heart-shaped lite candle.
I started creating a resource round-up on talking with kids about mass violence and white supremacy after the horrific shooting targeting a Black community in Buffalo, NY. Sadly, I am publishing the post after another devastating event filled the headlines, this time at a predominately Latino elementary school in Uvalde, Texas.
There are no adequate words for this devastation. And yet we must find ways to settle ourselves enough to comfort our children. And for white parents particularly, to continue to strive towards anti-racist parenting and building up a world where ALL children can thrive.
These resources offer guidance on beginning these conversations with the kids in our lives. I am so sad that this is needed.
The Horrific Mass Shooting in Buffalo: How to Talk With Young People (The Anti Defamation League)
Talking to Kids About Racism and Violence: Supporting Children While Navigating your own big emotions (Child Mind Institute)
Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting (American Psychological Association)
Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event: A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers (Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration)
Talking to Kids in the Wake of Mass Violence (Embrace Race)
Explaining the News to Our Kids (Common Sense Media)
How to Support Kids When the News Is Heartbreaking (Meghan Fitzgerald, Tinkergarten)
Responding to Tragedy: Resources for Educators and Parents (Matt Davis, Edutopia)
Talking to Children About Terrorist Attacks and School and Community Shootings in the News (Schoolcrisiscenter.org)
Resources to Support Children: Community Violence and Mass Shootings (Minnesota Department of Education)
Talking with Children About Tragedies & Other News Events (HealthyChildren.org)
Returning to Class the Morning After a Massacre (Alia Wong, The Atlantic)
5 Ways to Support Your Kids During Scary Times (Dr. Chinwé Williams, Parent Cue)
How to Talk to Kids About Shootings - Picture Books that Help (Raising Luminaries, Books for Littles)
A Kids Book About School Shootings (Crystal Woodman Miller)
