How to Talk to Your Child About School Shootings
September 15, 2017
Enlightium Academy
September 15, 2017
Enlightium Academy
January 20, 2017 - West Liberty, Ohio
April 10, 2017 - San Bernardino, California
May 4, 2017 - Irving, Texas
September 13, 2017 - Rochford, Washington
It seems like in recent years the number of shootings have gone up. Every few months students in another town face the terror and danger. Every few months another community asks the question: How did this happen?
Whenever and wherever a school shooting takes place, it is a tragedy for the families and communities involved. It shocks us and grieves us. And it scares us. Whether you are part of a community where a school shooting has taken place or you are simply a parent who is empathizing with other parents as they go through this experience, hearing about the violence will hit you hard. It is important for you to recognize that it will hit your child just as hard.
Whether your child attends a public school, private school, or is homeschooled, and whether he or she is young or a teenager, it is important to talk to students about school shootings. Just as you need to confront your fears and process what happened, your child needs to do the same. As a parent, you want to protect your child from everything that is evil and frightening, and it may be tempting to minimize conversations about difficult topics. Sadly, we live in a world where school shootings have become a part of our reality. Particularly if a school shooting has just happened, your child will need your support. This is a beautiful opportunity to show your love by being there for your child during a difficult time.
Starting a conversation with your child about such a frightening topic can be daunting. Here are some tips from psychcentral.com, a website specializing in mental health resources, and the American Psychological Association on how to talk to students about school shootings:
The Bible tells us that “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but of power and love and a sound mind” (2 Timothy 1:7). Fear is a natural reaction, but going through life in constant fear is not healthy. Overcoming fear and processing the emotions that are the result of a traumatic event is a necessary step for both parents and children. Choosing to talk to students about school shootings is difficult, but ultimately it will help your child as he or she processes a terrifying event and continues to live a healthy life. Your child needs to talk about these events. By creating a place for him or her to do so, you are showing your love as a parent.
Working through tough issues with your child can sometimes feel very isolating. In these circumstances it is important to remember that you are not alone. In the wake of tragedy, communities can come together in ways that are truly beautiful, to mourn together and help each other. If you or your child need support during this difficult time, reach out to others in your community, whether that is a mental health professional, your church family, or the staff and families at your school.
Enlightium Academy would like to recognize the courage of and express our grief for the families of the victims of school shootings.
Homeschooling Parents
Don’t just take our word for it—listen to the stories of families who’ve chosen Enlightium and found success. Our community of over 5,000 online students speaks to the strength of our program and the profound impact it has on our students’ lives.
This was our first year with Enlightium Academy and I love it for my daughter! She has grown so much spiritually and academically! The weight of having to do it all has been lifted since I have 3 small children as well. We feel supported in our homeschool life!
This program is really focused on a good education for your kids.
The ability to adapt to our child’s learning challenges made for a smooth transition bringing joy that she is actually learning now and retaining the knowledge. We can not wait to tackle another year!
Love the curriculum. The teachers are wonderful and caring. Any technical issues are resolved almost immediately and the billing department has excellent customer service
This was our first year with Enlightium Academy and I love it for my daughter! She has grown so much spiritually and academically! The weight of having to do it all has been lifted since I have 3 small children as well. We feel supported in our homeschool life!
This program is really focused on a good education for your kids.
The ability to adapt to our child’s learning challenges made for a smooth transition bringing joy that she is actually learning now and retaining the knowledge. We can not wait to tackle another year!
Love the curriculum. The teachers are wonderful and caring. Any technical issues are resolved almost immediately and the billing department has excellent customer service
This education option has blessed our lives in so many ways. We will forever be grateful to Enlightium Academy.
Enlightium academy has helped me so much in the homeschooling of my son. They have worked with our scheduling and been there with answers to any questions we've had. They have made this a wonderful experience.
I love the curriculum given to my kids and the teachers are very helpful. My kids are making way better grades with this program then they did in public school.
Enlightium Academy ended up being everything I was looking for. It offers a good, flexible curriculum that truly accommodates my schedule without sacrificing learning. Most importantly, they teach the Bible in such an amazing way. It’s just perfect—I don’t regret being part of this school for a moment.
This education option has blessed our lives in so many ways. We will forever be grateful to Enlightium Academy.
Enlightium academy has helped me so much in the homeschooling of my son. They have worked with our scheduling and been there with answers to any questions we've had. They have made this a wonderful experience.
I love the curriculum given to my kids and the teachers are very helpful. My kids are making way better grades with this program then they did in public school.
Enlightium Academy ended up being everything I was looking for. It offers a good, flexible curriculum that truly accommodates my schedule without sacrificing learning. Most importantly, they teach the Bible in such an amazing way. It’s just perfect—I don’t regret being part of this school for a moment.