BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) When terror and tragedy strikes in your hometown, it's inescapable. "There's no way of hiding this from your four year old, because the TV and radio are on, your computer is on and people within earshot are talking about this," said Dr. Michael Cummings, Associate Medical Director of ECMC and Vice Chair of Psychiatry at UB.
Schools are talking about Saturday's mass shooting at Tops Market on Jefferson Avenue. Most parents have received messages from their Superintendents or others, of how they are going to handle it.
Cummings, who appeared on WBEN Monday, said there are general common sense things you need to think about.
"First and foremost, you need to think about your kids not just being safe, but feeling safe," he said. "Talk to your kids in a developmentally appropriate way. It may be enough to say, a very bad person did something very bad. It's not going to happen to you. It's very rare."
Cummings said if we, as parents, don't fill in the blanks, kids will fill them in on their own, possibly incorrectly or maybe more adult-oriented than needed.
"We don't necessarily have to force the conversation, but sit down with your child and ask them if they have any questions. You don't have to reinvent the wheel, but it's a good time to have a conversation about safety in a developmentally appropriate way."
Cummings said if there was a bad fire close to you, most people would review their fire plan, which includes a meeting place.
"Things like that do not traumatize your child. It's going to empower them. When you're giving people tools and information, it will help them feel safe and feel trust. Certainly people closest to the event are at the highest
risk such as PTSD, anxiety and depression," said Cummings.
Saturday's incident is likely to fill the media cycle for weeks, if not longer. Because of that Cummings said it's very important to maintain a routine, and getting back to normal. If you find that you can't do that, it's a sign that you may need additional help.
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Lastly, Cummings said try to give kids the ability to speak their minds and fill in the blanks with facts that are supported by material that's appropriate for their age.
