Suicide: Tips for parents with grieving tweens

Suicide. The word alone is frightening. It's frightening because it signifies the loss of a person, the loss of relationships, and leaves heartache, confusion, and disbelief in return. According to the Center for Disease Control, suicide was in the top 10 causes of death in the United States in 2010.

I have two middle-schoolers and one elementary-aged child who keep me very active. Each night when we get home from school, I ask them what they learned and what happened. Last night the normal answers, "...so-and-so did this or that" was replaced by, "...there was a student who committed suicide today." Immediately a lump grew in my throat and my eyes became teary. Few words will send chills down the spine or send tears to the eyes of a parent like hearing that your child's classmate has committed suicide. My heart ached for the classmate, for the parents and family, and for our community.

With recent suicides in two area schools, you might find yourself wondering how to explain something like this to your tween, teen, or "young adult."

Talking to your child about tragedy

With the latest tragedy occurring in Tucson, Arizona, it is a reminder of how loss can occur at any moment. Regardless of the tragic event, whether it be a shooting, a natural disaster, or an act of terror, the result can be devastating and confusing for everyone at every age. 

As adults, we can easily become overwhelmed with grief and sadness. How are children supposed to cope with such feelings that tragedy evokes? Children can become confused, fearful, and anxious when listening about or witnessing a tragic event. The following list focuses on ways to talk with your child about tragedy.