Resources for Talking with Children About the Tragedy

From the Open Files of: Contributed by: John J. Scibilia, ELCA Director for Schools

Resources for Talking with Children About the Tragedy   These are general resources that can be used by parents, teachers, and other caregivers to help children through these difficult days. The following websites have useful information: The Parent Center: www.parentcenter.com/general/34754.html American Academy of Pediatrics: www.aap.org/advocacy/releases/disastercomm.htm American Psychological Association: http://helping.apa.org/therapy/traumaticstress.html#children American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry: http://www.aacap.org/ National Association of School Psychologists http://www.nasponline.org/NEAT/crisis_0911.html Talking with Kids About the News http://www.talkingwithkids.org/television/twk-news.html Talking to Children about Violence http://www.hec.ohio-state.edu/famlife/news/news4-21.htm How to Talk to Your Children About the News http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/talk/news.html Violence and Crisis Resources www.lutheran-schools.com   Some general advice from the experts includes: Continuously reassure your children that you will help to keep them safe. Turn off the TV. Overexposure to the media can be traumatizing. If your older children are watching the news, be sure to watch with them. Be aware that your child's age will affect his or her response. Adolescents in particular may be hard hit by these kinds of events. Obtaining counseling for a child or adolescent soon after a disaster may reduce long-term effects. Calmly express your emotions--remember that a composed demeanor will provide a greater sense of security for your child. Give your children extra time and attention and plan to spend more time with your children in the following months. Let your children ask questions, talk about what happened, and express their feelings. Play with children who can't talk yet to help them work out their fears and respond to the atmosphere around them. Keep regular schedules for activities such as eating, playing and going to bed to help restore a sense of security and normalcy. Consider how you and your child can help. Children are better able to regain their sense of power and security if they feel they can help in some way. John J. Scibilia, ELCA Director for Schools

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