MCPS: Talking to Children About Violence

MCPS has shared a community message from the school system medical officer. It can be seen in full below:

“Dear Parents, Guardians and Community Members,

It is an incredibly difficult time to care for children. As a pediatrician and parent working in my local school system, I witness daily the strength and courage of families, school system staff and community members as they support our students through challenge after challenge.

The challenge of violence is even greater when we are healing from a time of unexpected and traumatizing change, or carrying a legacy of trauma.  Exposure to violence is harmful to children in any form, whether experienced directly through personal or family impact, or indirectly through threats or media. How do we check in with our children about unspeakable violence, that adults are struggling to comprehend, when we already worry about their mental health?

The pandemic transformed how we view and approach the well-being of children. One thing we learned is that we cannot serve children well, if we do not work together. Violence is a challenge that divides families and communities, at a time when listening and working together is critical for the well-being of children. As trusted adults, we must work together to better understand what children are experiencing in all the spaces where they live and learn, and let this guide how we support them.

It may not seem like it, but children are listening, and the voices of trusted adults have great power. Parents and caregivers, school staff, healthcare professionals and community leaders all have unique expertise and opportunity to foster the well-being and growth of children.

The resources below are offered in partnership as we continue to do our best together for our students with commitment, compassion and mutual respect.

Thank you for everything you do, every day, for children. In this shared privilege, you are not alone.

Dr. Patricia Kapunan
MCPS Medical Officer”

RESOURCES

• National Child Traumatic Stress Network:

  • Taking Care of Yourself (for parents and child-serving professionals)

  • Resources for Addressing Trauma from Community Violence

  • Creating Supportive Environments When Scary Things Happen / Creando Ambientes de Apoyo Cuando Suceden Hechos Alarmantes

  • Understanding Trauma Responses in Children with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities and When to Seek Help

  • Talking to Children About War

• ChildMind: Helping Children Cope with Frightening News / Cómo ayudar a los niños a afrontar noticias alarmantes

• National Association of School Psychologists: Talking to Children about Violence: Tips for Families and Educators

• American Academy of Pediatrics: HealthyChildren.org:

  • How to Talk With Kids About Tragedies & Other Traumatic News Events / Cómo hablar con los niños sobre las tragedias y otras malas noticias

  • Guns in the Home: How to Keep Kids Safe / Armas de fuego en el hogar: cómo mantener seguros a sus hijos

• BeSmart:

  • Talking to Your Children About Guns

  • Resources – Children deserve to feel safe, no matter where they are