[psych-hr] Resources for Talking with Children About the Tragedy

In light of what happened, as a mother even my 2 ½ year old knows
something happened.  A picture on the NY Times shows a "airline crashing
into a castle;" he has asked why?  The following resources have been
shared with me.  Please think of all children.

PAX
Beth Malchus
Ohio Department of Health
Rape Prevention Program

**************************************************
     Child Health Information Project 
         Children's Defense Fund
            September 12, 2001
**************************************************

The following list of resources were prepared by CDF's Child Care and
Development Division.  We hope you find it useful.

Resources for Talking with Children About the Tragedy

In light of yesterday's sad events, we thought we would provide you with
some resources for talking with children about the tragedy.  These are
general resources that can be used by parents, teachers, and other care
givers to help children through these difficult days.

The following web sites 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/ 

Some general advice from experts includes:

1. Continuously reassure your children that you will help to keep them
safe.

2. 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.

3. 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.

4. Calmly express your emotions - remember that a composed demeanor will
provide a greater sense of security for your child.

5. Give your children extra time and attention and plan to spend more time
with your children in the following months.

6. Let your children ask questions, talk about what happened, and express
their feelings.

7. Play with children who can't talk yet to help them work out their fears
and respond to the atmosphere around them.

8. Keep regular schedules for activities such as eating, playing and going
to bed to help restore a sense of security and normalcy.

9. 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.

For more information on helping victims of the U.S. attacks, visit:
http://helping.org/promos/cs_wtc.adp

The United Way of New York and the New York Community Trust have
established a fund to help the victims of the attacks and their families.  
The September Eleventh Fund will provide immediate support to established
emergency assistance agencies. Anyone wishing to contribute may send their
donations in care of, United Way, 2 Park Ave, New York, NY, 10016 or call
212-251-4035.

Donations are also being accepted on United Way of New York
City's Web site: http://www.uwnyc.org.