07/06/2025
We know there will be many difficult conversations taking place within families about the tragic loss of life in the Texas Hill Country. We are so often asked for guidance on what and how to tell our children. Here are a few overarching recommendations. If you desire specifics, please give us a call (or email jennifer@plantingseedsntx.com). We will gladly hop on a phone call with you this week.
* First and foremost, tell your children. They need to know you will share difficult things with them and be honest. Even our littles know when something is wrong. Telling them all is well when they can sense all is not creates a foundation for children to not trust their instincts.
* Share age appropriate information. For additional guidance, please check out resources at www.nctsn.org
* Tears makes sense, yours and theirs. Tears are like putting salve on a burn, they are comprised of calming neurochemicals that help our brains move back towards regulation when we feel strong emotion. Please do not tell a child not to cry (or an adult).
* Emotions of any type simply need to be witnessed. It is not your job to make them stop but to be present while they are processed. Let your children know you also feel scared or sad or angry---they all make sense.
* Remind your child he/she is safe right now.
* Keep to as much routine as possible.
* Make space for your own emotions and grief.
* Always allow your child to ask any questions. If you are unsure how to answer, be honest. There are no bad questions.
* Please proceed with great caution when incorporating faith. Telling a child that this is "all part of God's plan" creates a fear and distrust of God. Right now, a simple reminder that God is near the broken hearted and the suffering and God sees and cares deeply for our pain will help the most.
OUR MISSION is to raise the standard of care and improve access to services for traumatized children, their families and communities throughout the United States.