LIVE: Navigating School Tragedy at the Start of the Semester

MOORHEAD — Local mental health experts are offering some guidance to families struggling with the news that a 14-year-old girl was stabbed to death at what police say were the hands of her teenage ex-boyfriend.

The Moorhead public school community is reeling with the news incoming freshman Jaelyn Walker was stabbed and left to die near the Red River earlier this week.

Eighteen-year-old Isaac Arndt, who court documents say was Walker’s ex-boyfriend, is in custody charged with second-degree murder.

Moorhead schools start for the new semester early next week.

Essentia Health Doctor of Psychology Sasha Kohlhase says parents need to talk to kids about the tragedy.

She says it’s okay for you to acknowledge if you’re also struggling to make sense of what happened.

It’s not an easy conversation to have, but your student is likely grappling with some life questions right now.

Kohlhase joined the Morning Show for a live interview about how parents can walk the fine line between instilling more fear and being truthful with kids about the tragic death, and about what signs to watch for in your child that indicate they aren’t coping well with this event.

Moorhead public schools are also offering counselors for students to connect with to help them navigate the grief, as well as employee assistance programs for staff members.

For more information:

https://www.essentiahealth.org/services/behavioral-mental-health-services/grief-bereavement-support/resources/a-teens-guide-to-coping-with-grief