When there are scary events seen on the news, we often get inquiries from teachers and parents as to how to talk to their children about it. In the past, these scary events have felt more like anomalies, that children could be helped to see them as uncommon and take comfort in the abundance of helpers around them. Although the helpers are still here, it is clear these scary events are no longer anomalies, but rather a more regular occurrence. Coupled with the influence of technology and social media, children are seeing and hearing more about the world than ever before. We here at Lucy Daniels Center maintain a daily awareness of what kind of impact this may be having emotionally and developmentally on children who are growing up in a time when it is more common be exposed to or learn about acts of violence, objectification, dehumanization, and/or cruelty. We know this takes a tremendous toll on children and on their families, whether directly experiencing or witnessing.

We want it to be known that ALL are welcome at Lucy Daniels Center. Every child and family is celebrated and respected for the color of their skin, language(s) spoken, accents, country of origin, immigration/citizenship status, religion, race, gender, politics, class, background, and any other characteristic. All people, child and adult alike, have a right to dignity, safety, and respect. Our commitment is to help our community- a community in which all children feel safe, valued, respected, and supported.