Many children across the state will return to school next week, and the new school year comes just as families have to process another mass shooting in which two children were killed and 17 others were hurt.
It’s already an anxious time of year for students and families, no matter what. But with incidents like this week’s church shooting in Minneapolis, experts say parents may struggle with what to say and how to reassure their children.
“It’s important to just focus on what’s in our control as parents and encouraging our child, if they have concerns, if they do have worries, if they are anxious, have that open conversation, but also encourage them to focus on the supports that are in place. The people who are in place at school are people who are trained to do this,” said Caitlin Bradley, BH director of youth and family services for Rochester Regional Health.
And while most of the focus is understandably on children as they head back to school, health professionals say it’s important for parents to reach out for support if they’re dealing with their own anxieties.