If you have a school age child, please tell me if, in your opinion, it is the parents responsibility or the School Boards responsibility to inform your child of tragic school incidents.

Mine. I was able to talk to my older son in a way that was appropriate for his specific personality. I know my child better than anyone else, therefore, I am the best person to offer reassurance.

I don't have a child that age yet but def is the parents responsibility

Im all for more school safety drills ect...Teaching kids what to do in crazy situations. I dont see the need to scare children, and I think telling the little ones about the murder of kids at school could give them nightmares or be afraid to be in school.

I think parents and faculty should all inform, talk, discuss, etc. certain things like this. We should be united in our communication.

<blockquote><b>Quoting .Colleen.:</b>" If you have a school age child, please tell me if, in your opinion, it is the parents responsibility or the School Boards responsibility to inform your child of tragic school incidents."</blockquote>



Personally, I would prefer to handle it myself but I would appreciate a voluntary seminar or something that I could attend with my child. I don't have all the answers and can admit when I need professional assistance BUT I would like to be there with my child for support.

Its 100% up to the parents. In my town they called all the parents with an automated message saying that it was up to the parents whether they want their child to know or not. That teachers would not be bringing it up in school, that on Monday they did have a moment of silence in all schools but did not state why, and that there would be counselors available for the students that did know and were having issues with it.

Both....Its important for both the parents and school to reassure and inform students

Parents, most definitely.

I honestly haven't talked to my kids because I'm sort of in denial and don't want to face it myself. I don't think I want the school talking to my kids about it, though. It may not be very logical, but it's how I feel

Quoting :*:CHRiSTiNe:*::" Its 100% up to the parents. In my town they called all the parents with an automated message saying that ... [snip!] ... did not state why, and that there would be counselors available for the students that did know and were having issues with it."

But what about if students discussed it with students that weren't informed? Thats just asking for issues

Quoting :*:CHRiSTiNe:*::" Its 100% up to the parents. In my town they called all the parents with an automated message saying that ... [snip!] ... did not state why, and that there would be counselors available for the students that did know and were having issues with it."

I am also from CT

This post is originating b/c I decided NOT to tell my 6 yo about Friday.
I kept all media off, spoke to all adults, everyone was in agreement.

Saturday night I get a Code Red Call (as you did) but it stated that they would be observing a moment of silence and offering counselors if needed on Monday.

I then determined that I need to tell her b/c I did not want her to be more scared and confused when they did all of this on Monday. I told her.
She is not doing well with it.

I spoke to her when she got home from school yesterday and NOTHING was mentioned AT ALL.

I am LIVID.

Quoting Lillybutt's momma:" But what about if students discussed it with students that weren't informed? Thats just asking for issues"

I explained to my child that she should not bring the subject up to others since we did not know who knew and who did not.

She did not mention it to anyone.

<blockquote><b>Quoting .Colleen.:</b>" I am also from CT This post is originating b/c I decided NOT to tell my 6 yo about Friday. I kept ... [snip!] ... doing well with it. I spoke to her when she got home from school yesterday and NOTHING was mentioned AT ALL. I am LIVID."</blockquote>



Oh poor Ash  
This breaks my heart. I'm so sorry Colleen. This is why I haven't told my girls. I don't know how they would react, and honestly I wouldn't be able to hold myself together enough to even try to explain it to them.

*hugs*. I'm sorry you were put in that situation, and I'm sorry Ash is hurting. Poor baby  

I know my children, so I feel I am best qualified (along with my wife) to explain sensitive issues to them when the time is right. If they have questions, I will be able to answer all of them, even if it's "I don't know."

I think it is the parents responsibility. I had no choice but to talk with my class about it. It was either I tell them the truth or they would believe the rumors the other kids were spreading. I have 3rd graders though.