It is normal for children to explore themes of good and evil in play and in their artwork. However, if this play is in response to traumatic news such as the shooting at Sandyhook Elementary School, it is especially important to communicate with your child's teachers and child care providers and monitor your child's play, artwork and behavior both inside and outside your home.
Contact me or a profession if you notice any of the following:
* Your child continues to repeat the same theme.
* You notice an increasing amount of violence in the play.
* Your child becomes physically or verbally aggressive.
* You notice any changes in sleeping, eating or behavior patterns.
* Your child is experiencing nightmares
* Your child has become more fearful
* Your child is having difficult separating from you or caregivers
To help your child, monitor and limit your child's exposure to information and details in the news and maintain open lines of communication about the events (see tips on talking to your children about tragedies here).
Please contact me if you have questions kerrie@larosaparentcoach.com.