Our hearts are breaking for the lives lost in yesterday’s school shooting at Robb Elementary School in Uvalde, TX. We offer our condolences and prayers to the families of the 19 young children and two teachers whose innocent lives were lost.
As a community of parents, family members, and clinicians focused on the development and growth of children, this hurts.
We want to take this opportunity to let you know that your child’s safety is always our top priority today and every day.
To prevent and prepare for an active shooter incident, Ally takes a multi-pronged approach:
Security & Access Control
All doors are locked at our clinics to prevent the entry of unauthorized individuals. Likewise, we have security cameras throughout our clinics for regular surveillance.
We want your children to be able to play and learn in a safe and secure environment.
Team Training
Our training program includes active shooter training developed by the Department of Homeland Security. This ensures that our team knows how to respond and protect your child in the case of an active shooter situation.
Speaking to your Child about Violence and Safety
It’s completely normal to struggle with how to discuss violence and safety with your children.
We’ve created a list of safety steps based on the National Association of School Psychologists, and our team of Clinical Directors is always available to discuss questions you have.
Talk with Your Child and Reassure Them They’re Safe
Events like these can trigger anxiety and fear in school children. Letting your child know they are safe can help to ease these worries and concerns. In the same way, take time to speak with your child and promote an environment where they can come to you with questions. Validate their positive and negative emotions, and be patient with them, allowing them to voice their thoughts and opinions.
Use Developmentally-Appropriate Explanations
Children may not understand the “adult” language used to explain these tragic events, nor should they be a part of these conversations. Instead, you should speak with your child on a developmentally appropriate level. This will not only help them to understand but will reduce the risk of overwhelming them.
NASP’s page goes into further depth about developmental stages.
Review Safety Procedures
It’s important to discuss safety tips with your children for all situations and injury prevention. These include home and school procedures and safeguards such as alerting a trusted adult if they feel threatened. Always remind your child that they can talk to you about their day and the people in their life.
Observe your Child’s Emotional Being
Monitor your child’s behavior, checking in on them frequently. Nearly 5 million children in the U.S. have serious mental health struggles. It’s a sad reality, but that’s why it’s essential to foster an environment where your child feels safe and comfortable talking about their emotions and feelings.
Be Cautious of Your Child’s Viewing Coverage of These Events
We used to control what our children watched by simply monitoring the TV station. Nowadays, children have access to apps like YouTube, Instagram, and TikTok, where the world is at their fingertips.
Whether it be daily monitoring or safety controls, make sure you’re aware of what your child is viewing. Misconstrued information and graphic imagery can cause panic, anxiety, and worry.
Keep Your Child on a Normal Routine
A daily routine promotes healthy physical and emotional health. Keeping to a schedule of adequate sleep, regular meals, and exercise are key components to healthy living.
You can also encourage your child to keep up with schoolwork and extracurricular activities but remember not to pressure them to the point of becoming overwhelmed or stressed.
Thank You for Being a Part of the Ally Pediatric Family
At Ally Pediatric Therapy, your children’s safety matters most. We are fortunate to have such a compassionate and supportive community during this difficult time. From the bottom of our hearts, we thank you for placing your trust in us to help your children learn and grow.
