The IWK Children’s hospital has taken to social media with some tips for talking about trauma with your kids.
This comes after 19 children and two teachers were slaughtered by a gunman at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas on Tuesday.
“Every individual can experience trauma differently, and that’s something that is really important to know… and to be on the lookout for [in] your child,” Advanced practice leader for trauma-informed care at IWK Health, Holly Murphy said in an interview.
Signs that your child may be struggling could include behaviour changes, such as trouble concentrating or making friends at school, sleep disruptions or nightmares, a change in eating habits, inattentiveness, withdrawing or acting out, Murphy said.
Before talking about a traumatic incident with your children or teens, it’s good practice to ask your children if and what they’ve heard first.
“Specifically to [the Uvalde shooting], we don’t know all the time how much information our children know so it’s always best to ask,” Murphy said.
“Then from that point, it’s really trying to balance not overexposing them to the information… and then helping them clarify and organize that information a bit better.”
If you are struggling in response to the recent shooting at an elementary school in Uvalde, Texas, you are not alone. You can learn more about how to talk with your kids about recent events and access resources here: https://t.co/LuHQsJWOTv. pic.twitter.com/hSg06lxXxP
— IWK Health (@IWKHealth) May 26, 2022
The important thing is that children know they’re safe with a caring adult and that parents are there for them, She said.
Murphy also noted it’s important that parents check in with themselves before talking with children. Reaching out to talk with friends, family or community resources if you’re struggling with your own feelings will help you help your child, Murphy said.
Resources for how to talk with children are available on the IWKs website; if you notice significant long-term changes in a child’s behaviours, Murphy said it’s important to reach out.
“We want to be able to address it early and to help them early; we don’t want to see anybody suffer.”
A good first start would be reaching out to your family physician or the IWKs central referral line.
From there, parents and caregivers will be directed to appropriate medical or community services.
Above all else, Murphy stressed the importance of caregivers creating a safe space for children to share and feel supported and asking them how they’re doing.
For more information on how to talk to your kids about trauma, visit the IWK website.
