Talking With
Your Children About Recent Terrorist Acts
A catastrophe such
as Tuesday’s 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 Tuesday’s 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, DC, as well as the airplane passengers.
SUGGEST that
children take some action, even if it’s as simple as drawing a picture
or writing a brief note and sending it to the 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.
Parents should be alert
to changes in a child’s behavior that may point to a more serious,
lasting problem in the wake of Tuesday’s terror.
- Refusal to return
to school and "clinging" behavior
- Escalating fear
related to the catastrophe and preoccupation with the disaster
- Persistent sleep
disturbances such as nightmares, screaming during sleep or bedwetting
- Loss of concentration,
decreased school performance
- Irritability
- Startled, jumpy
behavior
- Physical complaints
(stomachaches, headaches, dizziness) for which no physical cause can
be found
- Withdrawal from
family and friends
Sometimes, professional
advice or treatment may be beneficial for children affected by disaster
— particularly those young people who witnessed or been closely exposed
to destruction, injury or death. Parents who are concerned about their
children should seek professional guidance.
If you’d like
more information, please contact Working Solutions Service.
Remember
that Working Solutions has a virtual library full of information on these
and other topics...go
to their site, and look at Today's Library™ for the topics that
best suit your situation. Call them anytime at 800-358-8515 to talk with
someone now.
Working
Solutions Service is available to you through the Union-led
Benefits Trust.
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