Released March 12, 2009
AUBURN UNIVERSITY, Ala. -- The tragic shootings in three small communities in Alabama are a traumatic event being experienced personally by the children, families and communities affected. When individuals in a family experience a traumatic event, it affects all family members.
How children experience and respond to traumatic events differs by their age and level of development.
Preschool-aged and some younger school-aged children are not likely to understand what has happened. However, parents and caregivers need to be aware that young children do understand that something awful has happened. These children’ won’t be able to put into words their fears and feelings about it.
Adults need to talk with their young child in simple language about what has happened. They need to provide reassurance that what has happened is over and that the child is safe. Adults should be aware that young children exposed to traumatic events may regress to earlier behaviors they had outgrown. For example, they may not sleep soundly, may have toileting problems and may have a hard time separating from their parents.
School-aged children will have more understanding of the traumatic events, but may be concerned about the safety of themselves, their families and their friends. They may want to tell the story of what happened again and again. Or, they may feel overwhelming sadness or fear, or even guilt over what they could have done or not done during the traumatic event.
Though school-aged children are better able to put their feelings and worries into words, they may not do so without the encouragement of supportive adults. When they do express these worries, adults need to listen carefully and patiently. They need to help children understand that such feelings are normal. And they need to correct distortions or misconceptions the child might have about what happened.
Teenagers who have experienced a traumatic event are likely to feel self-conscious about their emotions and withdraw from family and friends. They may have thoughts of revenge. Teens need an opportunity to discuss the event with their families and talk through such feelings. Parents need to offer support in dealing with the strains that teens may feel in their relationships with others who also have experienced the traumatic event.
Keep in mind that the amount of exposure children have to repetitive media reports covering this tragedy will also affect their understanding and responses to these events. Be prepared to limit this exposure.
You can read more about traumatic events, their effects and how to help children deal with them at the National Child Traumatic Stress Network: http://www.nctsnet.org/nccts/ (click on the Parents and Caregivers link).
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http://www.aces.edu/department/extcomm/npa/newsline/archives/003906.php
Contact: Ellen Abell, (334) 844-4480
