BellaOnline Forums Family Special Needs Children School Violence - Virginia Tech

I know we are still in deep shock and sorry over the events that occurred at Virginia Tech, while our thoughts and prayers go out to families who lost loved ones, and all those affected by the violence.

If you have advice for soothing fears and reassuring children who may feel overwhelmed, due to overheard news coverage and discussion of this horrible incident, the revisiting of previous school violence stories, portrayals of intense grief and despair, and our own disbelief and shock, please share your resources and support here.

Pam W
SE of Seattle

School Violence and Children with Special Needs
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Hi Pam. Thanks for bringing up this topic.

What struck me most about your post is your comment:

"We are good role models for our children when we recognize and accept support during troubled times."

I admit that I'm not always very good at this myself, but I also know that when I do manage to get assistance that it only increases the sense of security my child feels.

Rather than relying on just his parents for help in the world, he knows that any one of the caregivers we've chosen will be there to help him.

What your post reminds me is that I can strenghten that sense of security by reminding him of this fact - long before he needs extra help. In that way, when a scary situation comes up, he'll know to turn to his caregiver for help and have a feeling of trust that he will be taken care of.

As for ensuring that the caregiver will provide the kind of help he needs, it's a matter of choosing carefully, and then bringing up the kinds of topic you've mentioned here so that the caregiver is prepared.

Thanks for the reminder.

Anna