just got off the phone with the principal of the school I work at. (I'm a history teacher). One of my best and brightest students has suffered a terrible tragedy. Just before school started in August this girl lost her father. He was a firefighter and was killed in the line of duty. Yesterday she and her mom were in a bad car crash. Her mom was killed instantly (car was apparently t-boned on the driver's side) and the girl was trapped in the car for twenty minutes before they were able to get her free. She was relatively uninjured. (Sprained wrist and bruised ribs and collar bone from the seatbelt plus some cuts). So basically this girl lost her father and has now watched her mom die. What can I say to her? She'll be living with her grandmother and they intend to keep her at her school to maintain what continuity they can. What words can I offer her in this really tough time. She's 13 and the guidance that is offered her can make or break her handling this. Any advice?
2006-11-12 10:29:11 · 4 answers · asked by bubb1e_gir1 5 in Society & Culture ➔ Other - Society & Culture
The school therapist knows and will be working with the family to get all three kids counseling (She has a ten year old brother and a four year old sister). I work for an amazing school district and the school will offer to pay for professional therapy.
2006-11-12 10:35:50 · update #1
Neal, if my posting on Yahoo is a problem then the newspaper article that was printed might also cause some problems. Plus I do not release my screen name to my students. At least not this one. I have another one for that.
2006-11-12 10:54:22 · update #2
Wow. When I think about that happening to me I almost start crying. This is a terrible tradgedy and I think you should avoid the subject. You'll never know how she'll react. When she comes in the class room try not to be extra nice to her or anything. She'll catch on sooner or later. Just act normal around her. That's what I think would be the best thing for her.
2006-11-12 10:35:10 · answer #1 · answered by sarahd9595 2 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Wow that is really horrible! It's something that shouldn't be brought up in front of anyone but if you can pull her aside before or after class I would just tell her that if she needs a friend to talk to you are there for her. I mean really what else can you say? Nothing you can say can make this poor girl feel better. However a shoulder to cry in and a friend can be some comfort.
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That's great about the therpy but it still wouldn't hurt to let her know you are there for her. That is if you are comfortable with that. If not then do as suggested below and don't let on to anything being different.
2006-11-12 18:34:47 · answer #2 · answered by Gypsy Cat 4 · 0⤊ 0⤋
I'm sure you mean well but I don't think posting details of her tragedy is really appropriate.
Would you want to find all that you wrote on Answers if you were her?
If you don't know what to say, maybe you should not say anything just offer her a listening ear and a shoulder to cry on if she needs one.
2006-11-12 18:46:59 · answer #3 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
Tell her she has a lot of people who are Praying for her , and who want her to get past all of this heart ache and have a good life .
Tell her to keep up with her education .
I'll be praying for her , and bless your heart too .
2006-11-12 19:18:05 · answer #4 · answered by Geedebb 6 · 1⤊ 0⤋