This list was forward to us by the Executive Director of the Ryan McMahon Child Advocacy Center in how to talk with your kids about the recent tragedy.  If  your struggling, maybe you will find some help here.

In the wake of the tragic shooting in Connecticut, many of you will be working with children and families who will have questions, concerns, and fears you need to deal with.  And, it is important that you deal with these issues forthrightly and appropriately.  Here is a list of resources that have been shared with Midwest Regional CAC from the early childhood community.  They have recommended these resources, which you may refer to in guiding how to respond:

  *   An Exchange article by Diane Levin:  "When the World is a Dangerous Place — Helping Children Deal with Violence in the News<http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/9002>."

  *   A New York Times article, "Tips for Talking to Children About the Shooting<http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/9003>.<http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/9004>"

  *   Advice from National Child Traumatic Stress Network, "Talking to Children about the Shooting<g.http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/9005g.>g.<http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/9006>"

  *   Advice from the National Association of School Psychologists, "A National Tragedy: Helping Children Cope<http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/9007>."

  *   A resource from the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, "Tips for Talking to Children and Youth after Traumatic Events<http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/9008>."

  *   Fred Rogers' advice from Family Communications, "Helping Children Deal with Tragic Events in the News<http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/9009>."

  *   Advice from the American Psychological Association, "Helping Your Children Manage Distress in the Aftermath of a Shooting<http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/9010>."

Resource "Acting Against Violence" <http://mail.ccie.com/go/eed/9001>

  *   Understanding and Responding to the Violence in Children's Lives by Diane E. Levin

  *   Early Childhood Professionals - Partners with Parents Helping Young Children Exposed to Violence by Beverly Roberson Jackson

  *   Shelter from the Storm - Using the Classroom to Help Children Cope with Violence by Betsy McAlister Groves and Sally Mazur

  *   Power Rangers - An Explosive Topic by Diane E. Levin

  *   Supporting Teachers to Create a Culture for Non-Violence by Margie Carter

  *   Listening to Understand Violence - The Voices of Youth  by Susan Hopkins and Susie Peppers

  *   A Message about Violence Prevention from Youth to Early Childhood Teachers  by Diane E. Levin and Nancy Carlsson-Page