September 11: A Day We Will Remember

Resources for Children and Parents

The following websites offer information and advice to help children and adolescents cope with and talk about the anniversary of the events of September 11.

• Helping America Cope: Anniversary Edition
  7-Dippity Incorporated offers this free 41-page activity book (in Adobe Acrobat format) designed to help parents and children commemorate the anniversary of the September 11 attacks, as well as assist with fears and feelings in the ongoing war on terrorism and continued terrorist threats. Spanish versions of this guide are also available.


• 9/11 As History
  This new initiative from the Families and Work Institute offers free, web-based tools for educators and parents to help children commemorate the September 11 anniversary.


• The National PTA: Helping Children Cope with Tragedy
  The National PTA offers comprehensive information for parents and teachers for helping youngsters deal with the September 11 tragedy, discouraging prejudice and discrimination, and fostering empathy in the post-9/11 climate of uncertainty.


• America Responds: PBS Kids Resources for Parents
  The Public Broadcasting System (PBS) offers online resources and activities to help children (and their parents) communicate and handle their feelings during this challenging time.


• Tragic Times, Healing Words
  PBS' Sesame Street gives advice on talking to kids during tragic times. Includes a special section on what to say when your child cries, "I'm scared!"


• Helping Children Deal with Scary News — Thoughts from Fred Rogers
  PBS' Mr. Rogers shares his thoughts on how to help children deal with scary news.


• Reactions and Guidelines for Children Following Trauma/Disaster
  The American Psychological Association offers tips on how to help children cope with their emotions.


• Talking to Children about Violence and Other Sensitive and Complex Issues in the World
  This free guide from Educators for Social Responsibility provides information for adults who are concerned about how to communicate with young people about difficult issues in their wider world.


• Talking with Kids about the News
  "Children Now" offers tips on how to talk with your children about what they will see on the news.


• Talking to Kids about Terrorism or Acts or War
  Information on how to explain war and terrorism to children, from "AboutOurKids.org" and the New York University Child Study Center.


• Purdue Extension: Talking with Children about Terrorism
  Purdue Extension provides articles on talking about terrorism to kids.

Remember that Working Solutions has a virtual library full of information on these and other topics...go to their site, and "Read Articles" for the topics that best suit your situation. Call them anytime at 800-358-8515 to talk with someone.

Working Solutions is available to you through the Union-led Benefits Trust.