Understanding How Kids Deal With Tragedies
By Justin Udo
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) --- This summer, shootings, fires, and car crashes have claimed the lives of numerous children in the Delaware Valley.
Often times, parents have a hard time helping their kids deal with and understand these kinds of tragedies. So what is the right way to talk to your kids about these kinds of stories?
Dr. Sue Cornbluth is an expert in parenting and childhood trauma at Temple University. She says when it comes to talking about tragedies, parents must first recognize their child's developmental age.
"You have to be honest with them and talk to them, these kids have been hurt," she said. "But you need to be clear and use the words, 'they died,' because kids do not understand the difference at that age between finality and just going away."
Dr. Cornbluth says after talking to your kids about tragedies involving other children, reassure them that you'll do everything in your power to keep them safe.