Theater Shootings: Parents’ conversations with kids

The shooting in Louisiana strikes close to home for people in Colorado. This latest tragedy happened just days after the three year anniversary of the Aurora theater shooting.

“The shooting makes me more concerned than when I didn’t have a family,” said Brittney Bowers.

Bowers takes her family to the theater three times a month. As a parent, she says safety is always in the back of her mind.

“It doesn’t matter where you’re at, you never truly are safe. It could be at the theater, the mall, kids’ school or anywhere,” said Bowers.

Whether tragedy strikes nationally, like in Louisiana, or locally, like in Aurora, therapists recommend having a conversation with your children.

“Answer directly and honestly without being frightening. Say someone hurt someone in the theater, but you are safe. Tell them it’s your job to keep them safe, and they can trust you. Tell them it’s rare, but this happens,” said Erin Fowler, a clinical therapist at University of Colorado, Colorado Springs.

As a parent, Randall Block understands the importance of talking about it, but he says it won’t change his movie-going habits with his children.

“It doesn’t change the fact that we still go to the movies as a family. It’s still a rare occurrence in America. It’s a one in a million kind of chance,” said Block.

However, other movie-goers feel there needs to be more security.

“It’s safe, but I think we need more security. Obviously, one security officer can’t save everyone,” said Andraeya Aquino.

Therapist say it’s best to prepare your child for reality so they feel safe.

“Don’t say, I promise this isn’t going to happen again or that they will be safe. Be honest. They want to know you’re going to be OK and they’re going to be OK,” said Fowler.

Therapists also recommend limiting the exposure children see and hear online or on TV.