Resources to Help Children with the Boston Marathon Bombings

Yesterday, the nation witnessed another tragic and traumatic event – the bombings that took place at the finish line of the Boston Marathon. These events are difficult for all of us to comprehend, especially children.  Here are some valuable resources compiled by the AMBIT Network from leading organizations to help children cope in the aftermath of violence: 

Age-Related Reactions to Traumatic Events, from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. This resource provides information to caregivers and service providers on how child may react in the aftermath of a traumatic event.  It also provides strategies to use with children based on different age groups – preschool, school-age, and adolescent.  http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/age_related_reactions_to_a_traumatic_event.pdf

The “You Can Ask” Toolkit, from Sesame Street is geared towards children 0-5.  This toolkit can be a great resource for parents and caregivers to talk to their children about upsetting events that they see in the news, and how to cope with difficult and scary times. http://www.sesamestreet.org/parents/topicsandactivities/toolkits/youcanask

Coping in Unsettling Times – Tips for Students, from the National Association for School Psychologists. This is a quick fact sheet geared towards children that provides helpful information on how adults can help children and youth address their concerns and cope with their feelings. http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/unsettling_students.aspx

Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event – A Guide for Parents, Caregivers, and Teachers, from the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. A brief overview of reactions to disasters in children across the age range 0-19 and how adults can support them and talk about the disaster. http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content/SMA11-DISASTER/SMA11-DISASTER-09.pdf

Tips for Parents on Media Coverage, from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. A tip sheet with suggestions on how to address media coverage on disturbing events with children and encourage helpful and healthy communication in the aftermath of a crisis or disaster. http://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/assets/pdfs/tips_for_parents_media_final.pdf

Thank you to the AMBIT Network for taking the time to compile this important information. Links to these resources will also be available on their website at www.ambitnetwork.org. 

The aim of AMBIT Network is to make high quality care more accessible for traumatized children and families in Minnesota and beyond. Ambit provides training and support in the following interventions: Trauma-Focused Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Child Development Policing Program, and Parenting through Change.