RICHMOND, VA. (WTVR)- At Fox Elementary in Richmond, dozens of parents eagerly greeted and held their children close just moments after dismissal.
Many contemplating how they'll explain the death of 20 children and six adults at an elementary school in Newtown, Connecticut.
"I don't know how I'll be prepared to answer. So I'll have to say I don't know because i can't put myself in their place," said a concerned parent.
Henrico school psychologist Joshua Lutz spent friday sending emails and calling school counselors, psychologists and social workers.
He says at the elementary level parents need to give brief and simple information only, but they need to be honest and available.
"They need to be reassured that they're safe, that's one of the main concerns people are going to have; they're going to see this on tv or hear about it," said Lutz.
Talking About Violence with Children
- Reassure your children
- Make time to talk
- Keep it age appropriate
- Review safety procedures
- Observe their emotional state
- Limit TV viewing
- Keep your routine
Points to Emphasize to Children
- Schools are safe places
- Report anything suspicious
- Don’t dwell on the worst
- Sometimes people do bad things
- Violence is never a solution
