??Showing Extra Love to Our Kids?? Understanding the Impact of Gun Violence on Children??and Teens ??

???? This weekend, it's important for parents to show extra love to their kids, especially in light of the terrible events that are directly impacting them. Recently, there was a shooting in Tennessee that claimed the lives of three children. Sadly, this is just one example of a larger trend where children and teens are more likely to die by guns than anything else. In fact, firearms are now the leading cause of death for US children and teens, surpassing even car accidents in 2020. ??

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Wonder database, firearms accounted for almost 19% of childhood deaths (ages 1-18) in 2021, with nearly 3,600 children dying in gun-related incidents. This means that there were approximately five children lost for every 100,000 children in the United States. The situation is further exacerbated by the fact that the US has already experienced over 125 mass shootings in 2023, with the most recent one taking place in Nashville, Tennessee, where a former student shot and killed three students and three adults at The Covenant School. ????

In addition to the devastating physical impact of gun violence, children who witness or experience it can also suffer from profound trauma. Unfortunately, school shootings have become all too common in the US, with 376 incidents occurring since the Columbine High School massacre in 1999. Shockingly, there were more school shootings in 2022 than in any other year since at least 1999, with a total of 46 incidents. Children of color are disproportionately affected by these shootings, with Hispanic students experiencing more than twice as much gun violence on campuses and Black students experiencing over three times as much. ??

As parents, it's crucial to recognize the dangers that our children face and to provide them with the love and support they need. Let's take the time this weekend to show our kids just how much we care about them and to work towards creating a safer and more peaceful world for them to grow up in. ????

"3 Ways Parents Can Support Their Children in the Face of Gun Violence"

1.????? As difficult as it may be, it's important to have an open and honest conversation with your children about the risks and dangers of gun violence. This can help them understand what to do if they encounter a potentially dangerous situation and can also give them a sense of control over their own safety.

2.??Spend quality time with your children: ????? ?? ?? ?? One of the best ways to show your children that you love and support them is to spend quality time with them. Whether it's playing a game, watching a movie, or simply talking, make sure to set aside time this weekend to connect with your children and show them how much you care.

3.??Advocate for gun safety measures: ???? While there is no single solution to the problem of gun violence, advocating for gun safety measures can help to create a safer environment for your children and others. This can include supporting background checks, limits on magazine capacity, and other common-sense measures that can help to prevent gun-related deaths and injuries.

Love??Em. Family??Over??Everything. ??Till the wheels fall off.

mad??love

[official dad]

msg.

#parenting #childhoodtrauma #gunsafety #schoolshootings #protectourchildren #stopgunviolence #familytime #loveandcare #childmentalhealth #peacefulworld #togetherforchange #endgunviolence #childrenmatter #gunreform #parentingtips #communitysupport #childrensafety #hiring