Resources for Families and Staff

When Something Scary Happens

Explaining the News To Our Kids

Talking with Children about Traumatic News or Events

We work hard to ensure our schools are safe, welcoming places for all students and families to learn and thrive. Parents and school personnel can help children feel safe by establishing a sense of normalcy and security and talking with them about their fears. No matter how old your kids are, threatening or upsetting news can affect them emotionally. What can you do as an educator or parent to help your kids process information that can be unsettling? Here are some tips to help with conversations.

Your kids will look to the way you handle the news to determine their own approach. If you stay calm and rational, they will, too.

Reassure children that they are safe. 

Emphasize that schools are very safe. Validate their feelings. Let children talk about their feelings, help put them into perspective, and assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately.

Make time to talk. 

Let their questions be your guide as to how much information to provide. Be patient; children and youth do not always talk about their feelings readily. Watch for clues that they may want to talk. Young children may need concrete activities (such as drawing, looking at picture books, or imaginative play) to help them identify and express their feelings.

Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate.

Early elementary school – provide simple information balanced by assurance of safety.

Upper elementary and early middle school – answer questions and assist in separating reality from fantasy.

Upper middle school and high school – students will have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence in schools and society. Emphasize student role in safety and how to access support.

Review safety procedures.

This should include procedures and safeguards at school and at home. Help children identify at least one adult at school and in the community to whom they go if they feel threatened or at risk.

Observe children’s emotional state.

Some children may not express their concerns verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can also indicate a child’s level of anxiety or discomfort. Seek the help of mental health professional if you are at all concerned.

Maintain a normal routine. 

Keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring and promote physical and mental health. Encourage them to keep up with their schoolwork and extracurricular activities but don’t push them if they seem overwhelmed. Limit/be aware of media exposure.

Teaching Tolerance: Website from a community of educators committed to diversity, equity and justice

How to talk to children about anti-Semitism

Teaching about anti-Semitism

Talking to Kids About Racism, Early and Often

Learning about white privilege

Talking About Race  from the National Museum of African American History and Culture

Trevor Noah on George Floyd, Minneapolis Protests, Ahmaud Arbery & Amy Cooper (video)

Emmanuel Acho: Let your guard down and listen (video)

Things You Can Do To Help

Tips for Supporting Grieving Children

Helping Children Cope with Loss, Death and Grief

Our TreeHouse - Our TreeHouse provides resources and support in Whatcom County to grieving children, teens, their families, and their communities.

Helping Children Cope: Teacher Resources for Talking About Tragedy

Family Support Services

LA Times article: Should kindergarten include books about being transgender?

Teaching Tolerance: Website from a community of educators committed to diversity, equity and justice

Gender Spectrum article from the Teaching Tolerance website.

How to start talking about gender diversity with kids of all ages

Talking with kids about LGBT Issues (Human Rights Campaign)

PFLAG Whatcom County

Gender Spectrum website

Gender Diversity website

KNKX.org article:  Seattle School District introduces lessons on gender identity to elementary school kids

Anti-Defamation League article: Talking to young children about bias and prejudice

ParentMap article: Gender Identity: why it's more important than ever to educate yourself and your family

Northwest Immigrant Rights Project (NWIRP)
Northwest Immigrant Rights Project promotes justice by defending and advancing the rights of immigrants through direct legal services, systemic advocacy, and community education.
Website: nwirp.org
Phone: 206.587.4009

Colectiva Legal del Pueblo
Colectiva Legal del Pueblo is a non-hierarchal collective organization founded for and by undocumented immigrants working to build community leadership and power for migrant justice through legal advocacy and education.
Website: colectivalegal.org
Phone: 206.931.1514

American Immigration Lawyers Association (AILA) Referral Service
AILA is the only legal association in the United States for immigration attorneys. More than 14,000 immigration lawyers are members of AILA.
Website: ailalawyer.com
Email: ils@aila.org

Skagit Immigrant Rights Council

CCS Family Immigration Service
Website: http://www.skagitirc.org
Email: skagitIRC@gmail.com