A Letter to the Parents and Staff of My School...
The conversation below took place amongst a group of 4 to 5 year old children
on the playground this morning after singing Rudolph, the Red-Nosed
Reindeer.
Child 1: “Rudolph got shot…he was shot in the
meadow.”
Child 2: “No, that’s Bambi’s mom, she
doesn’t have a red nose.”
Child 3: “Grandpa shoots too…just deers like Bambi and Rudolph,
because he’s a hunter.”
Perhaps this conversation
about shooting is just coincidental, but in light of the recent shootings in
Connecticut this conversation on the playground has brought about a nice
opportunity to relay some information to parents and staff about how to approach
conversations regarding shootings with our young ones.
You all have heard the quote, “Children are like wet cement,
whatever falls on them makes an impression”…consciously and subconsciously. With
that in mind, may I suggest to you to please be conscientious of
what conversations, TV and radio news your children are overhearing and attempt
to protect them from repeated exposure to frightening images and
stories.
Below is an article by a child psychologist from the
Department of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at New York University. The author
sheds some light on the most developmentally appropriate approach to addressing
the Connecticut shootings with young ones.
If you have any questions, comments, or
concerns regarding best practice with sensitive issues, please do not hesitate
to contact the office. We are more than willing to assist you!
