I really am. There are no words to describe the sadness, fear and anger over last night’s tragedy in Las Vegas. We extend our deepest sympathies to the victims, families, friends and first-responders of this senseless act of terror.

As the owner of a dance studio, I see kids of all ages come through my doors, dancing their way into class, and tonight was no different. They filed in, the doors closed, the music started and they danced. It’s was, and always is, a beautiful thing.

But the scene in the lobby told another story. As the parents took their seats to wait for their children, the conversations quickly turned from casual chit chat to the latest news on the number of victims, the shooter, the debate over gun control and the feeling that none of us are safe anymore, no matter where we are.

Frightening stuff and rightfully so but it got me thinking. If we, as adults and parents don’t feel safe, how can we help our children process such traumatic news? As I walked around the studio tonight, peering in to each classroom, I couldn’t help but wonder how this is impacting our kids. They are growing up in a world so completely different than us. What do we say, or not say? What should we be doing to ease their fears and how do we do that when we are just as scared? 

There is no manual for this, but thankfully we have solid resources and suggestions from professionals dedicated to helping our children in times of crisis. I am (again) sharing this very helpful and insightful article written by The National Center for School Crisis & Bereavement, in the hopes that we can gain the knowledge and use the dialogue in this piece to help us all in such uncertain times. Please click on the link below:

Talking to Children about Tragic Events in the News

Thank you.

• Sheila