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Talking about difficult topics such as safety with young children can be intimidating.  Parents worry about possibly saying the wrong thing. It doesn’t need to be.  With some thought, adults can help children feel safe and in control of their feelings.

 

Here are a few key things to remember:

 

  • Use simple language

No matter the topic, be it a lockdown drill, a tragedy on the news, or a notice about a sexual offender, much of the language one uses to talk with children is the same. It’s important to keep all your language and explanations developmentally appropriate. Keep it simple, and keep it short. You don’t want to overwhelm with details.

 

  • Let children know they are safe

Brief explanations that let children know that adults are taking care of them and that it’s not their responsibility to makes situations safe are best. Examples include, “Adults are working hard to keep you safe.” “Your principal’s job is to make sure everyone at school is safe and knows what to do in an emergency.”

 

  • Listen and observe

Children will let you know when they need more information. Making yourself available for further conversation will allow you to assess whether your child requires more information or explanation. Be available in quiet times and allow for open ended conversations so children feel comfortable bringing up concerns if they need to do so. Be open to these times.

 

  • Routine

If your family is affected in some way by some sort of violent of concerning event, it’s important to keep up a regular routine so that the rest of the child’s life remains as typical as possible. This allows children to keep their minds on their own lives and focus on developmentally appropriate activities.

 

  • Limit exposure

If the concerning event is televised, limit exposure as much as possible. It’s also important to try and keep children from overhearing adult conversations about the event as much as possible. Continued exposure to a traumatic event can cause difficulty for a child, and overhearing adult conversations that are not appropriate for children can scare them and cause confusion.

 

  • Try not to dwell on the worst case scenario

Adult anxiety can affect children’s anxiety. Remember, that in general, we are vey safe and that it is unlikely that a violent event will occur. Remind yourself, and you do your children, that people are taking care of safety issues and that safety precautions are in place.

 

  • Getting Assistance

If you do feel that your child is becoming negatively affected by a concerning event or fear, look out for changes in behavior, appetite, or sleep patterns. Changes may indicate an increased stress level. Give your child some outlets for expression such as drawing, reading picture books, and talking. If you feel that your child is exhibiting increased stress, you may consider seeking out professional help for your child.

 

 

 

From:  MARBLEHEAD SCHOOL NURSES~SCHOOL HEALTH NEWS SEPTEMBER 2008

A word about birthday celebrations…

We would like to share our new policy regarding birthday parties that is consistent with the Marblehead Public Schools Wellness Policy adopted by the school committee in 2007.

 

Students will be recognized in the classroom by teachers and classmates in imaginative ways. The celebrations will be NON FOOD. We ask your cooperation in making our school a safe and healthy place for all.

    

Email Mr. Medeiros using this link
Email Mrs. Louisos using this link
Allergens and Schools

As you are probably well aware, there are a growing number of students who suffer from severe food allergies. One allergy that has the potential to be fatal is the peanut and tree nut allergy. It is possible for some people to become ill even from non-peanut products that are produced in plants where peanuts are processed. Although Bell School and the Marblehead Public Schools are not completely “peanut free,” there are parts of the school that are peanut free. This is a compromise that allows children with severe allergies a safe environment, while continuing to allow students who regularly eat peanut products as part of their diet.

Regardless, it is important that we be mindful of this when preparing snacks for school functions and celebrations (A word about birthday celebrations.  We would like to share our new policy regarding birthday parties that is consistent with the Marblehead Public Schools Wellness Policy adopted by the school committee in 2007.  Students will be recognized in the classroom by teachers and classmates in imaginative ways. The celebrations will be NON FOOD. We ask your cooperation in making our school a safe and healthy place for all). None of us would want to be responsible for a child becoming ill because we failed to do our best to avoid allergy causing foods. Since peanuts and peanut products are present in so many foods, it is important for you to read product labels. I cannot overemphasize the importance of this. It is the only fool proof method to ensure that the foods you purchase do not contain peanuts and/or tree nuts. If the food has an allergen present, the label should have that information. Because labels change frequently, it is imperative that you regularly take notice of labels when purchasing food that will be eaten at school.

I thank you for your understanding regarding this important matter.