When a shooting occurs, it's normal to experience a range of emotions and reactions following such a traumatic event. We're often left reeling with emotions and grappling to comprehend how or why such a tragedy could occur. As a parent, you may also struggle with what to say to your children, how to answer their questions, and help them sort through their feelings, in addition to your own. While we may never have all the answers we seek, we can begin to heal.

The following articles from the American Psychological Association provide guidance on managing distress and coping with trauma, and advice for starting a conversation with children.

Managing Your Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting

Tips for managing change, regaining a sense of balance, and strengthening your resilience in the days and weeks ahead.

Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting

Whether they're toddlers, adolescents, or even young adults, children look to their parents to make them feel safe. After a shooting at a school or elsewhere in the community, though, you may be unsure how to talk with your children about what's happened. Consider these tips for talking with your children and helping them manage their distress.

Talking to kids when they need help

Kids don't always speak up and ask for support when something is troubling them, and they may not realize that help is available. It is crucial that parents and teachers are able to detect when something is wrong and know how to approach their kids and offer support. This article offers helpful tips for identifying when your kids are struggling emotionally and how to start a conversation with them.

How to Handle the Trauma of War from Afar