Helping children deal with tragedy in the wake of Sandy Hook - WREX.com – Rockford’s News Leader

Helping children deal with tragedy in the wake of Sandy Hook

When dealing with the loss of someone, especially the loss of a young life, children need extra attention in coping with such tragedies.

Twenty children were killed at Sandy Hook Elementary on Friday, December 14, and two young victims were laid to rest Monday. Many parents want guidance on what to say and how to talk to their children in the wake of the tragedy, but according to one child psychiatrist, it's about giving the children time to talk, rather than the parents doing all the talking.

"I think it's a really important thing that we as parents aren't lecturing our kids about this, but rather giving them room to talk with us about how they're feeling," Dr. Evan Silvi, SwedishAmerican Child/Adolescent Psychiatrist, says.

Dr. Silvi also says putting your own anxieties to the side and showing your children how to go about your day is important.