I've taken a hiatus from writing to concentrate on some coursework in Administration, Supervision and Curriculum Development. This week's events have made me feel the need to write.
When young people die, there is no heart in a community that remains untouched. Everyone experiences loss sooner or later, as that is how life works. You are born, grow up, grow old and then die. It is a cycle that we expect. When the cycle isn't complete or happens in an other than expected manner, it is up to the adults in the community to help children cope.
Losses that are sudden and violent like this week's bombing in Boston, tend to really affect our youth, whether it is the catalyst that drives them into deep withdrawn depression or they are trying frenetically to make people smile.
Below are some resources that I collected to help teens and parents cope with loss and mental health issues.
http://www.webmd.com/balance/helping-teens-who-are-grieving
http://kidshealth.org/teen/your_mind/emotions/someone_died.html
http://www.dougy.org/grief-resources/how-to-help-a-grieving-teen/
Stress Management for Teens
http://www2.aap.org/stress/teen1-a.cfm
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/ages-stages/teen/Pages/Helping-Teens-Connect-With-Their-Community.aspx
http://www.healthychildren.org/English/safety-prevention/at-home/Pages/Staying-Cool-When-Things-Heat-Up.aspx
Resources for Parents following Traumatic Events
http://www.ed.gov/blog/2012/12/resources-for-parents-following-traumatic-events/
No one can expect tragedies caused by terrorist events. All we can do is cope and move forward. One day at a time. Today, I plan to hold my children a little closer and spend some time in a garden.
~AMA
