Children in Mount Lebanon may continue to experience fear, trouble sleeping or difficulty concentrating in the weeks after the deaths of a father and his two young children, according to a child psychologist who says parents should talk openly with their children about the tragedy.
On Nov. 3, 42-year-old Patrick Lynch and his children, 8-year-old James Lynch and 6-year-old Caroline Lynch, died after an apparent fall from the parking garage behind the Mount Lebanon municipal building, according to a community announcement. Authorities later ruled the children's deaths homicides and their father's death a suicide, according to USA TODAY.
The deaths have prompted an outpouring of support in Mount Lebanon.
“This morning, we continue to offer our deepest
sympathies to the family, friends and anyone touched by the tragedy in Mt. Lebanon yesterday,” the municipality wrote in a mtlebanon.org statement.
Officials said seeing neighbors reach out to one another was providing “solace on this sad day” and thanked first responders for their efforts.
For children who knew the family, attend schools in the community or have repeatedly encountered coverage online, however, the effects may continue beyond the immediate aftermath.
How parents can talk to children about the Mount Lebanon deaths
Dr. Anthony Mannarino, a clinical child and adolescent psychologist with Allegheny Health Network, told USA TODAY that problems sleeping, difficulty concentrating at school and feelings of fear can be normal in the weeks after a traumatic event.
Mannarino has a personal connection to Mount Lebanon. He previously lived in the community and raised his children there. He said he has been encouraged by the community's response since the deaths.
For parents, Mannarino said one of the most important steps is starting a conversation rather than waiting for a child to raise the subject.
“I advise parents to be available to listen to their children, find out what they're thinking. And if the kids haven't brought it up, I advise parents to ask about it,” Mannarino said. “'Have you heard about what happened?' and see what kids know.”
That can be particularly important for older children and teenagers who may continue seeing information about the deaths on social media, especially with the heightened amount of national coverage surrounding the tragedy.
“For the older kids, teenagers, probably there's a lot on social media related to it,” Mannarino said. “And it'd be good for parents to find out what their teenagers are hearing, both to understand, but also to correct any information that may be completely inaccurate.”
The amount and type of information parents provide should depend on a child's age, Mannarino said. Younger children may need simple explanations and reassurance, while teenagers may have more complicated questions about why the deaths occurred or whether something similar could happen again.
When children may need additional help
Most children are resilient, Mannarino said, but parents should pay attention to how their children are doing over the next several weeks.
Children who continue having nightmares, trouble concentrating at school or difficulty separating from their parents two to four weeks after a traumatic event may need additional support, he said.
Families in Allegheny County can start by contacting their child's school counselor, psychologist or social worker. The Allegheny Intermediate Unit also provides aiu3.net resources for children and families dealing with grief, loss and frightening events.
Highmark Caring Place provides services at no charge to grieving children and families, including peer support groups and referrals.
Mount Lebanon Township also directed residents to resolve Crisis Services at 1-888-796-8226. The service is available 24 hours a day at no charge to Allegheny County residents and offers crisis counseling, referrals and mobile crisis response.
Families can also call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
This story was produced by reporter Gabby Sartori, [gsartori@usatodayco.com], with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI). Journalists were involved in every step of the review, editing and publishing process. Learn more atcm.usatoday.com/ethical-conduct.
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Mt. Lebanon deaths leave parents facing tough talks with kids
