What can I do to help my child cope?

To help your child process what happened:

• Remain calm. Your child will look to you for cues about how to react. It's OK for children to see adults sad or crying, but consider excusing yourself if you're experiencing intense emotions.
• Reassure your child of his or her safety. Point out factors that ensure your child's immediate safety. Review your home safety procedures. Make your home a comforting space for your child.
• Limit media exposure. Constantly watching news coverage of a tragedy can heighten anxiety. When older children watch or read news reports, try to do it with them.
• Avoid placing blame. If the tragedy was caused by human violence or error, be careful not to blame a cultural, racial or ethnic group, or people who have mental illnesses.
• Maintain the routine. To give your child a sense of normalcy, keep up your family's usual dinner, homework and bedtime routine.
• Spend extra time together. This can foster your child's sense of security. If your child is having trouble sleeping, allow him or her to sleep with a light on or to sleep in your room for a short time.
• Encourage the expression of feelings. Explain that it's OK to be upset. Let your child write about or draw what he or she is feeling. Encourage time with friends. Physical activity might serve as an outlet for frustration.
• Do something. Consider ways to help victims and their families. Hold a service related to the tragedy. You might work with your child to write thank-you notes to first responders.