TIPS FOR PARENTS ON COPING WITH TRAUMA
- Talk with your student as often as needed. You may find that he or she wants more contact with family at this time, which is normal.
- Encourage your student to express his or her feelings about the incident. Provide support, realizing that all feelings are legitimate.
- Reassure your student that strong feelings after a tragedy are not uncommon. You might ask, “It must have been so upsetting to hear about the shootings at Virginia Tech.”
- Realize that being away from home may be disconcerting at this time; your student may have never experienced this form of anxiety previously.
- Consider asking, “Are you worried about anything at this point?” This will give your student the opportunity to express any particular fears.
- Encourage your student to seek support from fellow students. Advise your student to be alert to campus communications and familiar with emergency procedures on campus.
- If your student needs to talk with a professional, suggest that he or she visit his or her school’s counseling or health center.
- If you are concerned about your student and want to consult with a professional, call the college’s counseling center. You should be able to find contact information through the school’s main Web site.
Adapted from Karen Settle, Ph.D. Southern Methodist University
