Mental Health expert explains how parents can support children following Annunciation shooting

Alex Karwowski KAALTV August 31, 2025 - 6:32 PM

(ABC 6 News) – Following last week’s shooting in Minneapolis that targeted children at Annunciation Catholic School, Dr. Lindsey Hickey, the director of mental health services at Family Service Rochester, explained how parents can best support their children through the troubling time.

Hickey said the shooting is not a topic one should avoid with their kids because they will hear about it either online, at school or among their peers. Hickey added the first step is to allow children to speak openly about their feelings without any judgment.

“One of the best ways for parents to talk about that with their kids is to give their kids that space to just openly talk about it without any judgment or jumping to any conclusions or decisions or to force them to just go to school and say you know, just deal with it,” Hickey said.

If parents are struggling to ensure their child is safe at school, Hickey recommended pulling in support from other trusted adults, such as a counselor, teacher, neighbor or community member.

“Just so they don’t feel alone, the kids know that they aren’t alone there. There are people looking out for them and their safety at school,” Hickey said.

Allowing a child to express their emotions through some kind of outlet whether it be a sport or other activity can also help with coping, according to Hickey.

Olmsted County has several podcasts, readings and videos people can find here that can assist those coping with a school shooting.

In terms of how to best bring up the topic with your child, Hickey said it depends on the age and the child itself, but ultimately parents know best.

retrieved from :Mental Health expert explains how parents can support children following Annunciation shooting - ABC 6 News - kaaltv.com