Children need to understand that, unlike in games, violence has tragic consequences. Parents can also become more involved in their schools. They should be looking at school guidelines for safe schools and making sure that the local school is knowledgeable about them, and parents should be encouraged and involved in anger management programs in the school. They should also make sure they have strict rules about violent behavior by students. While parents should do as much as possible to make sure their children are safe and violence-free, it's also important to talk with children about the violence that's in the news.
Children have vivid imaginations and little experience with life.
They need to be reassured that the world is a safe place and that the vast majority of people are good and kind. If a child doesn't talk about headline stories, it doesn't mean she hasn't heard the news on the playground. I'd like to hear your thoughts so that I can help you handle your feelings. Listen respectfully, then let your child know what steps have been taken by her school and community to keep her safe. Judsen Culbreth recently appeared on Lifetime Live discussing child care.