Parenting Programs
Violence Through the Eyes of a Child
Every day children witness violence, which runs the gamut from entertainment to real life traumatic events. While the extent of the effect of such exposure varies depending on frequency, intensity, and interpretation of events, a child’s physical, psychological, social, and cognitive development can be impacted by such contact with violence. Regardless of the type and amount of violence children are exposed to, parents can help their children make sense of the violence and limit its negative impact. This series explores the impact of community, media, and family violence on children.
Session one
understanding and dealing with Community Violence
Community violence can greatly impact children’s development, feelings of safety, identity, and sense of belonging. In this session, parents will identify the children most at risk in communities plagued by violence and review recommendations for effective parenting styles that best help keep children safe. Also, parents will explore resources in and out of their communities and how to support children who are exposed to violence in their communities.
Session Two
violence in the Media: what are your kids seeing?
Exposure to media violence can negatively impact brain development and have short-term and long-term behavioral consequences. Parents play a crucial role in helping children understand their media exposure and exert a great deal of influence over how media is consumed in their home. Parents will learn the impact of children’s exposure to violence in the media, the effects of that exposure, and how parental influence can minimize potential harm.
Session three
coping with domestic Violence
In the aftermath of witnessing a violent event within their family, children often have unique and complex reactions. Age and developmental stage can be the cause of a wide range of potential reactions a child may exhibit. In addition, even when a child experiences family violence, a variety of factors can help mitigate the negative impact and increase resiliency. In this session, parents will learn a range of reactions a child may have after witnessing violence in the family at various developmental stages and identify protective factors that can minimize the negative affect of this exposure.
