Mental health professional: Parents shouldn’t panic when discussing shootings with kids

A Darien mental health professional says that parents shouldn’t panic when discussing the mass shootings in the U.S. with their children.

Maud Purcell, the founder of the Life Solution Center of Darien, says limiting children’s exposure to the tragedy is healthy, but parents can still use tough conversations as an opportunity to talk about important issues like mental illness.

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Purcell says parents should also watch for changes in behavior after a tragedy. She says to schedule an appointment with a pediatrician if your child has trouble sleeping, has a loss of appetite or other changes in behavior.