05: Setting Your Teen Up for Success When Tragedy Strikes

<p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Jean Marie McNamara is a single mom with two children who has experienced deep trauma. Their father killed his then-girlfriend and then himself, and later, their step father walked out on them suddenly. Jean understands that these unforeseen life events can have a hugely negative impact on her children, but here’s how she is working with them to set them up for success and help them face adversity when things don’t go according to plan. </span></p> <p> </p> <p><span style="font-weight: 400;">Key Takeaways</span></p> <ul> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Jean’s ex-husband killed his girlfriend and then himself. This caused serious trauma in her two children, aged 13 and 10. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">How did Jean cope during this tragedy? </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">Sometimes, you just have to take it 5 minutes at time in order to properly cope.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">In light of tragedy, it’s important to be plugged into a community so that your children not only get your support, but the love and support of others. It really does take a village.</span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">No one gives you a manual on how to be a good parent. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">As much as you want to hide the truth from your children, don’t. Tell the truth and they will respect you for it. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">It’s okay to tell them you don’t have all the answers, but that you’ll figure it out. </span></li> <li style="font-weight: 400;" aria-level="1"><span style= "font-weight: 400;">It’s important your children have a strong routine. It makes a big difference when faced with