Dear Westport Families and Staff,

We would like to provide you with additional resources that may be helpful as you support your child through this difficult time.  Below are some talking points to consider while addressing this tragic loss with your child. 

Talking Points for Parents:

• If you have not already informed your child, you can tell him/her that you have some sad news to share and that a student and her mother have died.  Reassure them that they are safe and loved.  

• For very young children who are not directly impacted by this loss, consider whether they need to know this information.  

• Keep your language simple and straightforward.  Be open and honest and avoid unnecessary details that may be disturbing to children.  If questions persist, refocus them on the feelings rather than the details of how and why. 

• If they ask questions that you are unable to answer, you can say “I don’t know but adults are working together to figure it out”.

• Remember that you may have to answer the same question several times and repeat key information to ensure understanding.

• Listen and validate all feelings.  Simply letting kids know that you understand and recognize their feelings is a huge support.  

• Children, like adults, experience grief in a variety of ways.  Some may be sad and tearful, while others may not show any reaction and all of these reactions are normal.

• It’s likely that you are experiencing your own sense of shock and loss, and we don't need to shield our children from this normal response.  It will be important to model for your child how to manage your emotions in healthy ways.

Counseling Resources:

Some children might exhibit changes in behavior, such as difficulties with sleep, angry outburst, bedwetting, physical symptoms (e.g. stomachaches), and separation anxiety.  If these behaviors persist or intensify, we encourage you to contact your pediatrician or one of the counseling resources listed below.

Westport Department of Human Services

Mid-Fairfield Child Guidance 

Positive Directions

Center for Hope,

We recognize that schools are closing and our school-based mental health resources will not be as readily available.  We want you to know that we care and wish to support your children during this difficult time. Please feel free to contact Dr. Babich at vbabich@westportps.org if you have any questions or concerns.

Sincerely,

Thomas Scarice (Superintendent), Valerie Babich (Coordinator of Psychological Services), Suzanne Levasseur (Supervisor of Health Services)