When bad things happen: Why it's critical to talk to kids in the wake of violence

A surge in violence in Winnipeg over the past three weeks with nine homicides, includingthe death of three-year-old Hunter Smith-Straight has taken an emotional toll on many people.

It can be particularly difficult for children trying to make sense of it all, says Dr. Rehman Abdulrehman, a clinical psychologist in the city.

"One of the hardest things is actually trying to explain to children why bad things can happen to good people," he said, adding that, if at all possible,we should protectour children from getting that information in the first place.

The same way parents and guardians protect children from materials they can access online, we should be mindful about the news they consume and limit that exposure,Abdulrehmansaid, but he acknowledged that's not always possible.

Newsspreads quickly through social media and can be especially hard-hitting on kids when the tragedies involve youth, as they recently have.

On the weekend,three-year-old Hunter Smith-Straightwas taken off life-support and diedafter he was stabbed multiple times last week while sleeping.

A week before that,a 14-year-old girl was stabbed to death at a Halloween party,and thefollowing day, an infant was among those taken to hospital aftera daytime shotgun attack at a home on Flora Avenue.

Once that news is out there,it's crucial to ensure that a child's "norm is not thrown off," Abdulrehman said.

Children are comforted by routine, familiarity and structure, and they need those when it comes to feeling safe, he said.

"When we go through trauma, we lose a sense of control in our environment," he said.

"So when they hear this kind of information, particularly when there's more than one incident or when it's occurring on a large scale wars or conflict in other parts of the world we need to bring things back to what their life is like and the reality of them encountering those difficulties."

The reality isthese violent incidents are uncommon. Even though it might not seem sobecause of the spike in occurrences, we must remember that it is just thata spike from the norm,Abdulrehmansaid.

"So we talk about how this is a sad occurrence but a rare one, and we need to denote that they have a sense of safety," he said.

Children are quite resilient and can bounce back from traumatic news and situations, but it iscritically important to have ongoing conversations with them, he said.

"The child may not actually engage in that conversation, but it's important that we offer them theinformation they need, so their thinking comes back into line and they can attain a sense of safety,"Abdulrehmansaid.

"It's one thing to just say 'You're safe' and it's another one to invite a conversation, because it's that conversation that ultimately gives children a sense of control.

"We have to talk about our feelings and we need to keep that conversation open not so much that it's always in their face but to periodically come back to the topic: 'Can we talk about how you're feeling?'"

Behavioural problems

Not all children can articulate their feelings, so they might not approach anyone to talk, but there are ways to detect any anxiety,Abdulrehmansaid.

Children burdened by unease might showbehavioural problems that are out of character, such as silence or withdrawal.

"We need to be mindful and watch for those things," he said, noting that everythingdepends on the age of the child and what they're able to understand.

To give children someone to speak to, theWinnipeg School Division is mobilizing its team of clinical support staff psychologists, social workers and guidance counsellors.

A division spokesperson said the focus will be on schools in the city's core area this week, with expanded support wherever it is needed.

Winnipeg memorial grows for 3-year-old who was stabbed in his sleep

5 years ago

Duration 2:11

A candlelight vigil was held Sunday for Hunter Straight-Smith, who was taken off life support on Saturday afternoon and died shortly after.