Disclaimer: I am not a mental health or medical professional. Sharing this for awareness and information purposes only. With the recent events taking place in Gary, Indiana, I feel it is important that we all have some level of awareness of how to engage. @Irene Huger is a professional, and I would love for you to weigh in on this. NIMH guidance on how children and teens react to disasters, violence, or serious accidents, and how caregivers can support them. Common reactions across all ages: Physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches), sleep problems/nightmares, trouble concentrating, loss of interest in usual activities, guilt, and thoughts of revenge. Age-specific reactions: Age 5 and under: clinginess, crying, tantrums, regression to bed-wetting/thumb-sucking, new fears (dark, monsters, being alone), reenacting the event through play Age 6 and up / teens: school problems, social withdrawal, avoidance of reminders, substance use, disruptive or destructive behavior, anger/resentment Most of these reactions are normal and fade with time. If symptoms persist beyond a month, it's time to involve a health care provider. How adults can help: Caregiver calm and stability directly shapes how kids cope, so adults should manage their own stress first. Do: Secure safety and basic needs Let them be sad, cry, talk, write, or draw about it Limit repetitive news exposure Allow temporary comfort measures (sleeping near you, light on) Maintain routines (meals, bedtime stories, games) Give small choices to restore a sense of control Watch for sudden shifts in behavior, speech, or emotion Seek care if flashbacks, racing heart, being easily startled, emotional numbness, or deep sadness persist beyond a few weeks Don't: Expect them to be "brave" or push them to talk before they're ready Get angry at strong emotions or regressive behaviors Make promises you can't guarantee ("You'll be fine tomorrow")

Back To School in The Ghetto, You Cant make this UP!!! https://youtu.be/FV1FyeuXCzg?si=6YdQUxPShAUh0TbL Back To School in The Ghetto, You Cant make this UP!!! Disclaimer: This is being shared for your awareness. No judgement. I feel a lot of us live in our own respective worlds and realities and in many cases, we never really go outside of it. To an extent, that is okay. However, sometimes we do not have a realistic impression of what is going on in the world around us. Hence, when I saw this, I was WOWED, I've seen things like this from time to time, however, I had no idea this would be something I would witness parents doing with their kids for their first day of back to school photos. Check it out and let me know your thoughts. And Devin, @Devin Trent thank you for the space. ❤️