Brooklyn Park Therapist Helps Parents Talk to Kids about School Shootings

Labor Day right is right around the corner and that means many kids in Minnesota will be returning to school next week, but with some heavier than normal emotions.

After the tragic deaths of two children and injuries to 18 others at Annunciation Catholic School in Minneapolis by a lone gunman, many parents and kids may be feeling more apprehensive and fearful.

Dr. Joshua Stein, a child psychiatrist with PrairieCare in Brooklyn Park, wants to help families navigate these difficult times.

Reporter Sarah Alain interviews Dr. Joshua Stein with PrairieCare

Dr. Stein said although you may want to shield your children from bad news, media comes at us in a lot of different ways, so that may be impossible. 

Stein encourages parents to find out what their children already know and then go from there.

In the case of the shooting at Annunciation Catholic Church, he says to ask them a pointed question.  

“The first question I asked my children is, ‘There was a big event, did you hear about what happened at Annunciation?,'” said Stein.

Stein also said it’s not always healthy to shield children from hard issues.

“We love our children dearly,” said Stein. “But we also have to allow them to be independent and to grow, to experience and have stress.”

Stein said since the pandemic, school anxiety has been notable and he said it could be compounded by the Annunciation shootings.

It’s not just the widening fear in children he’s concerned about — Stein said parents may also experience additional worry and anxiety.

He recommends parents process their own anxiety in healthy ways, seeking support from their community or seeing a mental health professionals if they need it.

Parents can also call up the school their child attends to be reassured of its safety measures.

He said when parents are in a place they can feel comfortable, they can be a more positive influence around their kids.     

“So that they feel that they have the foundation of a loving, joyful parent at home,” said Stein.  “Who is excited for the school year, who can celebrate the school year with them. And that’s really no different than we have in any school year, but it is important that we keep things moving forward for them in that way.”

Brooklyn Park