Helping Children Cope with Tragedy

Many parents have been talking about how best to discuss tragic events like those in Newtown with children. Here are a few resources our colleagues have recommended.

United Way of Connecticut
This local resource guide includes phone numbers if you or your child wants to speak with a counselor
http://www.211ct.org/Parents/Trauma.asp 

Tips for Talking With and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event
http://store.samhsa.gov/shin/content/SMA11-DISASTER/SMA11-DISASTER-09.pdf

National Association of School Psychologists
http://www.nasponline.org/ - See resources underneath photo in English and Spanish

The following resources are from Healthnet : Connecticut Consumer Health Information Network

http://www.apa.org/helpcenter/aftermath.aspx
Helping your children manage distress in the aftermath of a shooting
>From the American Psychological Association

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/health/publications/helping-children-and-adolescents-cope-with-violence-and-disasters-parents/how-parents-can-help.shtml
Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters: What Parents Can Do/How Parents Can Help
>From the National Institute of Mental Health

http://www.nctsn.org/nctsn_assets/pdfs/age_related_reactions.pdf
Age-Related Reactions to a Traumatic Event
>From the National Child Traumatic Stress Network

http://www.aacap.org/cs/root/facts_for_families/children_and_the_news
Children and the News
>From American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

http://www.dbsalliance.org/site/PageServer?pagename=education_brochures_coping_unexpected_events
Coping With Unexpected Events: Depression and Trauma
SEE SECTION:  Helping and Talking with Children
>From the Depression and Bipolar Support Alliance (DBSA)

http://www.aacap.org/galleries/default-file/Talking_to_kids_aurora_shooting.pdf
Tips for Talking to Children about the Aurora Shooting
>From American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry

Children's Events this week

Thanks to everyone who participated (and might still be shopping) to support the Library at Barnes & Noble of Milford or online using our ID# 10852390

Remember, this week, we have:
- Holiday Wordle Cards for ages 8 to 12. Wednesday at 4 p.m.
- PJ Storytime for ages 2 to 7. Wednesday at 6:30 p.m.
- Baby Lapsit Thursday at 10:30 a.m.
- Decorate a cookie. Saturday from 2:30 to 4 p.m.
Please register for programs - storytimes are drop in - by calling 203-385-4165 or email us at childrens [at] stratfordlibrary [dot] org

Barnes & Noble Bookfair

Children will have a 'magical' night at the Barnes & Noble Bookfair!

Attend our “Reading is Magical” Bookfair Fundraiser at the Barnes & Noble of Milford from November 30-December 5 with a percentage of purchases benefiting the Stratford Library Children’s Department. 

Family Night will be Friday, November 30 from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Barnes & Noble of Milford.

 From 6-8 p.m., Enjoy:

- Play Wizard of Oz mini-golf
- Make wands
- Join a magical scavenger hunt,
- For younger children, play enchanted star games.   

Special Events6:15 p.m. Magician Jay Reidy will present a 20 minute magic show.
6:40 p.m. children can participate in a costume parade. 

The Barnes and Noble Bookfair is co-sponsored by Barnes & Noble of Milford and the Stratford Library. Library patrons can shop November 30-December 5 using a bookfair voucher at Barnes & Noble of Milford. Vouchers are available at the Stratford Library and online at www.stratfordlibrary.org. Supporters may also shop online at bn.com/bookfairs using the Library’s ID number (#10852390) on the payment page. For more information, please call the Library at 203.385.4165 or visit the website at www.stratfordlibrary.org. 

Stratford Halloween postponed to Saturday

I'm sure you can guess why :)
Saturday's forecast looks good, so here's to a fun Saturday!

PJ Storytime canceled for 11/7

Due to inclement weather and/or Stratford Halloween being on (pick one!), PJ Storytime will be canceled for this Wednesday, 11/7. Wherever you go, we hope you are safe and dry, and Ms. Clark says she will miss you all!

This week's schedule

Back to school and back to normal...we hope!
This week's schedule includes:

Tuesday - Preschool storytime at 10:30 a.m. Wear Halloween costumes
Make holiday cards for soldiers - 2-4 p.m.

Wednesday - 2nd grade class visits begin! Ask your teacher when your class is scheduled to arrive.

Thursday - Baby Lapsit at 10:30, Snack 'n Study at 4:00 p.m. Bring homework, we'll provide the snack!

We're Here!

Happy Halloween and welcome back! The Library is open with power, internet, and charging stations.
We in the Children's Department have board games, a craft, and the Halloween Challenge! If you read for 15 minutes and color us a coloring page, you can receive a trick-or-treat. We may also have WII set up for later.

Questions? Call us at 203.385.4165