Hey there! Are you wondering how to talk to your young children about active shootings? Don’t worry. I’m here to help! I will give you reliable information on how to talk to your kids about active shootings, so you can help keep them safe.
Talking about active shootings can be scary, but having these conversations with your children is important. By the end of this article, you’ll know how to talk to your children about active shootings in a way that’s easy for them to understand, and you’ll have some great tips for keeping your family safe. Let’s get started!
What is an Active Shooting?
First, let’s make sure we understand what active shooting is. Active shooting is when someone is shooting a gun in a public place, like a school or a mall. This can be really scary, but it’s important to remember that there are things we can do to stay safe.
How To Talk To Your Children
Now, let’s talk about how to talk to your young children about active shootings. It’s important to have age-appropriate conversations with your children, so they can understand what’s going on without feeling scared or overwhelmed. You can start by asking them what they know about active shootings and then filling in any gaps in their understanding.
It’s also important to let your children know that some adults are working to keep them safe, like police officers and teachers. You can tell them that schools practice emergency drills so everyone knows what to do in case of an active shooting.
Lastly, ensure your children know it’s okay to talk to you or another trusted adult if they ever feel scared or worried about an active shooting. Remind them that they are loved and safe, and that you will always do your best to keep them that way.
Practical Steps During Active Shootings
Now, let’s talk about some practical steps you can take to help keep your family safe in case of an active shooting.
The first step is to familiarize yourself and your family with the layout of public places you often visit, like schools or malls. Take note of the exits and where you could hide if necessary.
It’s also a good idea to have a plan in place in case of an active shooting. This plan should include where to meet up with your family if you get separated and what to do if you can’t leave the building. Make sure your children know this plan and practice it with them so they know what to do in an emergency.
Another way to stay safe is to pay attention to your surroundings. If you hear gunshots or see something suspicious, trust your instincts and take action. You can also download a safety app on your phone that can alert you to danger in your area.
Remember, while active shootings are scary, there are things you can do to stay safe. By having age-appropriate conversations with your children and taking practical steps to prepare, you can help keep your family safe in case of an emergency.
I hope this article was helpful for you and your family. Remember, talking about tough topics like this can be scary, but it’s important to have the conversation so you can stay informed and prepared. Stay safe out there!
FAQ
Let’s talk about some common questions and concerns parents might have about talking to their children about active shootings.
Q: How do I know if my child is ready to talk about active shootings?
A: Every child is different, so it’s important to gauge their readiness based on their age, maturity level, and prior exposure to similar topics. As a general rule, it’s a good idea to start having age-appropriate conversations with your children around age 5 or 6.
Q: What if my child gets scared or anxious during the conversation?
A: It’s normal for children to feel scared or anxious when talking about active shootings. Try to stay calm and reassuring, and take breaks if necessary. Focus on what you and your family can do to stay safe, and remind your child that adults are also working to keep them safe.
Q: Should I talk to my child about the details of specific active shootings?
A: No, it’s generally not a good idea to go into the details of specific shootings with young children. Instead, focus on the general concept of active shootings and what your family can do to stay safe in case of an emergency.
Q: What if my child asks questions I don’t know the answer to?
A: It’s okay not to have all the answers. You can tell your child that you don’t know, but you will try to find out together. Use reputable sources like government or law enforcement websites to get accurate information.
I hope these answers were helpful! Remember, talking to your children about tough topics like active shootings can be tough, but it’s important to do so in order to keep them safe and informed.
Denny Strecker owns and operates Prestige Martial Arts, where he has taught children how to develop their Confidence, Discipline, and Leadership Skills since 1997.
Denny is also the author of the Amazon Best-Selling Book
“How to Double Your Child’s Confidence in Just 30 Days”
