Navigating conversations with children after trauma

MAGOFFIN COUNTY, Ky. (WSAZ) – A community was in shock after more than a dozen students and a bus driver were injured in a school bus accident.

As of Monday night, 11 students have been released from the hospital after the accident earlier that day, according to Magoffin County Schools.

But there is still a long way to go to recover physically and emotionally.

Amber Koch’s children attend Magoffin County schools.

She said she was shocked when she found out about the accident.

Koch, who works as a pediatric counselor at Frontier Behavioral Health, provided crisis counseling to students and staff.

“Parents and children are struggling emotionally, and the outcome could have been very different,” Koch said.

Koch said that each student processes trauma differently.

She encourages parents to keep an eye on their children’s mental well-being and recognize the signs of dealing with trauma. But she also reminds them to practice extra patience.

“They [the kids] they are dealing with big emotions. During that, she may see some irritability with her kids, sleep regression and sleep disturbances, and intrusive thoughts and what-if questions.” Koch said.

Although there’s no guide, Koch said the best way to start is to find out how they’re doing, even if your child isn’t showing signs of anything wrong.

“Start anywhere, especially if you have children who are calm in nature or children who tend to play with their emotions and feelings and offer something to lean on. You know, they should know that I see you, I hear you, and we’re having the same emotions, Koch said.

Magoffin County Schools will continue to offer counseling services to affected families.

For previous coverages:

The school bus goes over the embankment; several students, bus driver injured

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