After Jenna died, the staff at Ralph S. Maugham School sent a letter to all families that included a list of suggestions on how to discuss this tragedy with their children. Among the recommendations were:
- Speak to children in simple, truthful language.
- Avoid euphemisms to describe dying, such as "She's gone to sleep and won't wake up." Young children take things very literally, and such statements might lead to their own fear of going to sleep.
- Give children the opportunity to express their feelings, and listen to what they say. Let the children "take the lead" in these discussions.
- Mention that although the person who has died will no longer be part of their lives, they can share their happy memories of her or him.
- Over a period of time, be prepared for more questions and concerns as children process the information and experience a range of emotions, such as sadness, confusion, fear and anger.
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