Political Unrest and Supporting Youth

Our thoughts are with you and your children as we all process the violence and chaos that took place at the U.S. Capitol this week. Following a year of collective and individual traumas, many of you have reached out and asked "how do I explain this to my children?" and "my children are worried about this news, what can I say to them?" It can be difficult to navigate these conversations. Below you'll find some resources with tips and developmentally appropriate information to consider when talking to children about this unfolding situation. Please explore the links below.

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/explaining-the-news-to-our-kids

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/blog/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-violence-crime-and-war

https://www.apa.org/topics/talking-children

En Espanol:

https://www.commonsensemedia.org/espanol/blog/como-hablar-con-tus-hijos-sobre-las-noticias

Parenting young children in these circumstances is profoundly difficult, but you are not alone. Support is available. If you or your children would benefit from additional connection, resources or consultation, please reach out to myself and/or Matt Hogan, Ainsworth School Counselors. You can reach us via email at: tvitellaro@pps.net and mhogan2@pps.net. While I am full of uncertainty and fear today, I take heart in our Ainsworth community and the strength and hope that you, your children, and our staff bring forward each day.

Living through natural disaster

The unprecedented fires raging throughout Oregon and much of the west are a challenge for all of us. Please read below for important information about supporting your children through this terrifying time.

In my experience providing crisis counseling on Flight Teams throughout Oregon, I've seen the powerful benefits of "Psychological First Aid." This refers to steps you can take now to help mitigate the effects trauma on children and ourselves. You may worry about saying or doing the right things, but luckily they don't need perfection from you as teachers or parents/caregivers. Read below for more helpful insights and resources.

Helping Your Child Cope with Natural Disaster: The American Red Cross

How can you support your child in this time?

Disasters can leave children and teens feeling frightened, confused and insecure. Their responses can be quite varied. It's important to not only recognize these reactions, but also help children cope with their emotions.

Encourage dialogue and answer questions

Listen to your kids. Ask them about their feelings and validate their concerns. When they ask questions, give just the amount of information you feel your child needs.

Limit media exposure

Intense media coverage of disasters can frighten young children and disturb teenagers as well. If your children watch TV or use the internet, try to be available to talk with them and answer questions.

Make time for them and find support

Help kids understand that they are safe and secure by talking, playing, and doing other family activities with them. Build support networks with friends, family, and community organizations to help you cope, which can also help your children cope.

Keep to a routine

Help your children feel as if they still have a sense of structure, which can make them feel more relaxed. When schools and childcare open again, help children return to normal activities like going to class, sports, and play groups.

Risk Factors

For many kids, reactions to disasters are short-term. But some children can be at risk for more long-term psychological distress. Three risk factors for this longer-lasting response are:

• Direct exposure to the disaster such as being evacuated, observing injuries of others, or experiencing injury.

• Loss/grief relating to the death or serious injury of family or friends.

• Ongoing stress from secondary effects, such as temporary housing, loss of social networks, loss of personal property, or parent's unemployment.

Important Links and Resources

Here are some resources that you may find helpful:

Natural Disasters: Helping Kids During Crisis

U.S. Dept of Education Crisis Planning Guide

FEMA Ready Kids: Wildfires

ASCA Webinar Effective Crisis/Trauma Response

NCTM: Wildfire Resources

SAMHSA: Wildfire Resources

CDC: Stay Safe During a Wildfire

Clackamas County Wildfires 2020

State of Oregon Wildfire Housing Relief

Local Temporary Shelters

Oregon Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster

State of Oregon Wildfire Resources

Fires and Hotspots on this Dashboard