Here are a number of resources to guide parents and families in speaking to their children about tragedy, especially those based in man-made violence. The following may help both children and parents to process these unthinkable occurrences.
Resources for Parents and Families (From the Union for Reform Judaism)
- “After Terror: 5 Jewish Ways to Help Kids Deal”: Jewish tradition provides wisdom on how to handle these moments – both as parents and as individuals. Michelle Shapiro Abraham, the Union for Reform Judaism’s director of learning and innovation for youth, shares insight.
- “Helping Children to Process Acts of Terrorism”: After acts of violence, children may have both practical and theological questions, such as: How can we be protected from terrorism? Where is God? Why would God allow such things to happen? Rabbi Edythe Mencher, also a clinical social worker, wrote this in-depth guide for talking to children of varying ages about acts of terrorism and violence.
- “How We Can Help Our Littlest Learners in the Wake of Tragedy”: Tammy Kaiser, a Parkland-area neuroscientist, preschool director, mother, and shooting survivor, shares tips for restoring children’s sense of safety – and talks about her own experience comforting her son after the shooting.
Additionally, there are available resources from NAMI Illinois (National Alliance on Mental Health).
Resources for Parents
Talking to Children: When Scary Things Happen
Talking to Children About Tragedies and Other News Events
Helping Children Cope with Frightening News
Helping Your Child Cope with Media Coverage of Disasters
Talking to Teens When Violence Happens
National Traumatic Child Stress Network
Tips for educators and parents in talking to children about violence
(Courtesy of Chicago Sun-Times)
Other Emotional Support Resources
Disaster Distress Helpline is available 24/7 at 1-800-985-5990: Spanish speakers should press ‘2’ for 24/7 bilingual support. Staff are trained to help people through large traumatic events including mass shootings.
Illinois Call4Calm Text Line is available 24/7 by texting the word ‘TALK’ (or ‘HABLAR’) to 552020. You will be called by a trained mental health professional from your own community within 24 hours of your for support. Participation is anonymous – your information is used only to help you make the connection.
The NAMI HelpLine, 1-800-950-NAMI (6264) is open 9 am to 9 pm Monday through Friday. You will speak with trained volunteer who will listen, answer questions, and help you find local resources. Visit our interactive map to find any of our 19 Illinois NAMI affiliates.
JCFS Chicago is also here for the community. Whether you need someone to talk to, a place to gather in the community, or guidance on how to support your children, you are not alone. As we continue to process and begin to grieve the tragic events in Highland Park yesterday, JCFS is offering the following resources for you, your, family, friends, neighbors, organizations, and anyone looking for support.
The JCFS Chicago Warm Line phone connection is available to provide assistance for anyone affected by the Highland Park shooting who does not have an urgent need and is looking for someone to talk to about their emotional distress. Call the warm line to connect to an emotional support professional between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. Monday through Thursday and 9:00 a.m. – 4:00 p.m. Fridays at (855) 275-5237.