Talking with your children about terrorist acts
| A catastrophe such as the disaster at the World Trade Center and Pentagon is frightening to both children and adults. These acts of terrorism may challenge a child's basic sense of trust and safety. Consider these guidelines for children regarding any major disaster: ACKNOWLEDGE the frightening parts of the disaster; falsely minimizing the danger will not end a child's concerns. REASSURE children that they are precious to you, and you are taking every precaution to keep them safe. Add that our government is doing everything possible to keep people from being hurt. LIMIT the amount of news coverage young children watch. Ask them what they have seen and heard and talk to them about it. UNDERSTAND that reactions vary depending on age. Younger children will react to their parents' emotions, and adolescents and teenagers may minimize their concerns or pick arguments. ENCOURAGE children to talk about their feelings of sadness for the people who were killed. Talking about a situation gives children more of a sense of control over their own lives. Emphasize that it is natural to be concerned about the people in New York and Washington as well as the airplane passengers. SUGGEST that chlldren take some action, even if it's as simple as drawing a picture or writing a brief note and sending it to www.viexpo.com/dmstest/america.html to reach out to people affected by the tragedy. REMIND children that people of all races, faiths and ethnic origins have been injured or killed. Be careful not to pinpoint blame or join in hurtful talk about people from other backgrounds. GIVE lots of hugs. Children, regardless of their age, need more of your love and attention during this stressful time.
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