Dear Agawam School Community,

This has been a challenging time for us all! We have had to find ways to manage prolonged stressful times. Yesterday’s unthinkable events can create another layer of stress, new concerns, and bring on a variety of emotions. It will be on our minds today and for the coming weeks. It will also be on the minds of our children. This provide us with yet another opportunity to create safe and supportive spaces for our children, deepen our connection with them and nurture the relationship. Connection is essential during these times, for us adults, and our children too. Below are some resources for families to navigate these difficult times that initiates some difficult conversations with our young ones.

Best regards,

Marlene DeJesus, LICSW

APS Social Emotional Learning Director

How to Talk to Your Kids about the Breach at the U.S. Capitol

Psychologists Dr. Laurie Zelinger and her husband, Dr. Fred Zelinger developed a framework for parents and caregivers who are looking for way to discuss upsetting information in a palatable, developmentally appropriate, and reassuring way.

Its called 'PEARLS' of wisdom

P is for Prepare

Before discussing the events at the Capitol with your children, decided what you think they need to know, and plan out how you're going to explain it at an age-appropriate level. They don't need every detail.

E is for Explain

If your child wants to know why everyone keeps talking about this, tell them, but keep it simple and on their level. Start with just a few sentences and see if that satisfies them. Check for understanding- ask them to break down and explain what you had said.

A is for Answer

If your child asks the same question more than once, try to use the same explanation each time you respond.

R is for Reassure

Reassure them that the grownups are doing their best to keep them safe. Don't make guarantees, but remind them that there are more good people in the world than bad.

L is for Listen

Just let them talk. The things they keep repeating are the issues they’re confused about and that you can clarify later. Be mindful of the areas they’re avoiding too, because maybe you need to fill in an important detail they’ve totally missed.

S is for Safeguard

Take a moment to talk about all the things grownups are doing to prevent more things like this from happening. Remind them of who is around to protect them. We can’t guarantee that things will always end peacefully, but we can guarantee that we’ll be there to listen and protect them.

Other Resources:

• • How to talk to children about difficult news from American Psychological Association

  • Helping Kids Navigate Scary News Stories from PBS

  • When Bad Things are Happening from Teaching Tolerance

  • Talking to Children about Tragedies and Other News Events from healthykids.org

  • Talking to your children about Violence: Tips for Parents and Educators

  • https://www.nasponline.org/resources-and-publications/resources-and-podcasts/school-climate-safety-and-crisis/school-violence-resources/talking-to-children-about-violence-tips-for-parents-and-teachers

Self-Care (for you and your children):

• Inner Explorer: a mindfulness on-line tool that teachers in our school district may have used with their students in the classroom. The Inner Explorer team developed a daily mindfulness app for our school district families to use at your home . The 5-10 minute guided programs are easy to practice. Download the Inner Explorer App and put you child's school name when prompted.

• Tip Sheet to take care of yourself.

• Pause Reset Nourish to promote well-being.

Immediate safety concerns:

24/7 Crisis Lines

Springfield (413) 733-6661

Or walk in to 417 Liberty Street, Entrance B, Springfield

Westfield (413) 568-6386

BHN’s Crisis Program provides 24/7 front line response to individuals of all ages who are experiencing a behavioral health crisis, regardless of insurance. BHN provides services on a mobile basis, including home and community-based settings or in an emergency department when needed.