Helping Kids Navigate the Tragedy of the Super Bowl Parade Shootings

Kansas City: A sense of profound sorrow and shock has enveloped the city in the aftermath of the recent Super Bowl Parade shootings. The chilling events that unfolded not only wreaked havoc on the city, but especially inflicted trauma on the many children who witnessed the terrifying incident. As the community grapples with this tragic event, Children’s Mercy Kansas City has stepped in, offering guidance and resources to parents and caregivers to help children process what they have experienced.

Recognizing Signs of Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder

One of the first steps towards helping children in the aftermath of a trauma is recognizing potential signs of post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). These signals include avoiding reminders of the incident, panic symptoms when not in danger, feelings of intense sadness or anger, and unwanted memories of the incident, among others. Paying heed to these changes, and providing a comforting environment where kids can express their feelings, could significantly help in their recovery process.

Seeking Immediate Help

Parents and caregivers must seek immediate help if they or their child have thoughts of suicide or causing harm to oneself or others. In such cases, it is advised to go to the Emergency Room or reach out to the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, for immediate assistance.

Support Strategies for Parents and Caregivers

Helping children navigate through a trauma also involves introspection and self-care for parents and caregivers. It is essential for caregivers to process their own reactions and emotions before they guide children through theirs. Furthermore, engaging children in conversations about the incident, reassuring their safety, and making a family safety plan if necessary, could help them feel secure.

Every child is different, and so is their coping mechanism. Factors such as age and developmental level, proximity to the traumatic event, temperament, and mental abilities significantly influence how they process difficult news, and should be taken into consideration when providing support.

Further Steps to Recovery

After ensuring the aforementioned measures, parents and caregivers should consider limiting exposure to disturbing media about the event. It is also beneficial to promote resilience in children, encourage them to communicate their feelings, maintain routines to provide a sense of normalcy, and help children take action to aid others in recover.

When to Seek Professional Help

If a child’s reactions to the trauma persist after a few weeks, or they exhibit symptoms of PTSD, parents and caregivers should consider seeking professional help. Early intervention is always the preferred and most effective approach to address PTSD. Local resources, including pediatricians, school counselors, and mental health professionals, can assist you in supporting your child through these challenging times.

Sending Support to the Affected Families and Emergency Response Team

In the wake of this horrific event, support for the affected families and the Emergency Response Team at Children’s Mercy has been immense. For those wishing to send further support, donations that will directly benefit young patients and their families, as well as the frontline staff, can be made online or by calling Children’s Mercy.