JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- Once the police clear the scene at Sandy Hook Elementary School and the investigation is under way, the enormity of the tragedy will begin to set in. Why would someone do this? Am I safe in my school? Is my classmate OK? Those are just some of the questions the students at Sandy Hook could be asking themselves.
According to a licensed psychologist at Jacksonville University, it's important for a parent to understand what the child is going through.
"It's very good to ask open-ended questions so you can provide support as a parent" said Dr. Jennifer Weldon, Assistant Director of Jacksonville University Counseling Center.
Weldon was one of the psychologists who helped the students and faculty at Episcopal High School after their principal was shot and killed by a former teacher.
"Some of them move quickly through the stages of grief, some are in shock or denial. Others can have a sense of anger toward the perpetrator, you have to meet each individual where they're at," said Weldon.
According to Weldon, the one thing a person has to know to overcome their grief is realizing what they're feeling is OK.
"Realizing that each person has a unique reaction and they may be very different than everybody else who experiences the exact same situation" said Weldon.
Another way to help a child grieve is to have them contribute in some way. Help them send flowers or cards to those affected or organize a get-together with their classmates.
