Youth Eastside Services offers tips on dealing with tragic news with children


December 14, 2012 · 2:45 PM

In the wake of the the shootings at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown, Conn. and the Clackamas Town Center in Oregon, Youth Eastside Services (YES) has posted information and tips on their website to help parents in dealing with tragic news with their children.

"In the past year, it seems we have been bombarded with stories about senseless violence," the website states. "And while such tragedies may create worry for even the most hardy adult, the intensity and constant be especially confusing and frightening for children and teens."

Tips in helping children cope include encouraging them to talk bout their feelings, acknowledging their feelings and using the news as a teachable moment.

"When kids hear these stories, they often have fears about whether it will happen to them," the website states. "Talk with them honestly about what happened, but don't overly focus on it."

The website also advises parents to work with older children in planning what they would do to stay safe in a dangerous situation as sometimes fear can be allayed if this is done.

For more information, visit http://tinyurl.com/d2xzfzy.

YES has offices in Redmond, Kirkland and Belleuve. Their main office is located at 999 164th Ave. N.E. in Bellevue.

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