How to talk with kids after experiencing a traumatic event

DAYTON, Ohio (WKEF) -- Montgomery County's Alcohol, Drug Addiction and Mental Health Services says the most important thing is to talk with your child about the event.

ADAMHS Executive Director Helen Jones Kelley says adults have to be willing to have those hard conversations with kids.

"We don't always have all the answers so we want to open up the pipeline communication," said Kelley. "So ask them how they're feeling, asking them if they felt frightened, talking to them is probably the most important thing parents can do right now to help their children. Be resilient and get over any fear they may have that's lingering with them."

Dayton Police are continuing to investigate the disturbance during the Dayton Children’s Parade on Friday, Nov. 25 where one shot was fired. DPD is still seeking the person who fired the shot.

Kelley stated that you should be careful about calling this event a 'shooting,' because using that word invokes different kinds of reactions, especially in children.

Kelley says be extra cognizant if you notice your child is beginning to withdraw from activities or spending more time alone, because that could mean they need some extra help to work through a traumatic event.