Resources for talking to kids

The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry offers information on kids’ behavioral changes after a disaster and information about post-traumatic stress disorder in children at avl.mx/cih.

— Recommended by child and adolescent psychiatrist at the Center for Psychiatry and Mental Wellness at the Mountain Area Health Education Center Nick Ladd 

The National Child Traumatic Stress Initiative within the federal Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration provides resources on understanding child traumatic stress and childhood traumatic grief, as well as tips for parents, caregivers and teachers for talking with children after a traumatic event. Learn more at www.samhsa.gov/child-trauma 

— Recommended by Buncombe County Schools assistant director of student services Shanon Martin 

Common Sense Media, a nonprofit dedicated to educating caregivers about age-appropriate media and digital literacy, published several articles about discussing gun violence with kids. “How to Talk to Kids About School Shootings” can be read at avl.mx/cie and “Tips for Families Facing Hate Speech and Mass Shootings” can be read at avl.mx/cif.

— Recommended by Ladd

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About Jessica Wakeman
Jessica Wakeman was a reporter at Mountain Xpress from 2021-24. She has been published in Rolling Stone, Glamour, New York magazine's The Cut, Bustle and many other publications. She was raised in Connecticut and holds a Bachelor's degree in journalism from New York University. Follow me @jessicawakeman

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