LOS ANGELES — Prominent psychiatrist, neuroscientist and ten-time New York Times bestselling author Daniel Amen, MD, responds to today’s school shooting in Parkland, Florida and offers parents advice on how to discuss school violence with their children:
“It’s very important to talk to your kids about the reports of today’s school shooting they may be seeing on the news, especially if they express concern or fear. For older kids, parents should feel free to answer any questions they may have and listen to their feelings. For younger kids, try to keep it short and avoid emotional rabbit trails. Turn off the TV. Don’t be like most Americans who watch traumas over and over. If they start to struggle with nightmares, help them finish the dreams in a more positive way, assuring them that they are safe with you, their parents.
“It should not be a child’s burden to worry about and fear things they cannot control, but as adults, we should have a plan in case disaster strikes. Parents should be able to say to their children, ‘If something bad happens at school – do this and do that. If someone at school tells you they are having violent or suicidal thoughts, ALWAYS tell parents about it, even if the kids tell you not to.’ These types of conversations will leave children with a sense of preparedness, which in turns provides comfort as they try and make sense of what they see on the news and hear about from their friends.”
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Dr. Daniel Amen MD, is a double board-certified psychiatrist, professor, and ten-time New York Times bestselling author and founder of Amen Clinics. He is one of the world’s foremost experts on using brain-imaging tools to help optimize and treat his patients. His research was listed as one of the Top 100 Stories in Science for 2015 by Discover magazine, and he has written and hosted twelve highly popular shows about the brain for public television. His work has been featured in The New York Times Magazine, the Washington Post, Men’s Health and on The Dr. Oz Show and Dr. Phil. His latest read “Memory Rescue” (on stands now) expands on a proven program to help you change your brain and improve your memory.
Website | http://danielamenmd.com/
