PARENT CORNER 2
Helping Your Children Through National Crisis, Tragedy and Violence
Often, the "SAFE" world that our children live in is threatened by national
or world-wide crisis, violence and tragedy. Such occurrances take away the
sense of control that our children have within their environment and their
"meaningful" place may not feel so safe. Traumatic incidences create worry
within our children and we need to provide help in mitigating the emotional
effects that occur as a result of these events. Please utilize the strategies
provided below, along with your own family value system, to assist your
children in maintaining their personal sense of comfort, safety and security.
1) Process your own feelings first. You have to learn to deal with such
occurrances before you can help your child. Try not to place your fears
and anxieties onto your child.
2) Monitor the amount of TV, news and mass media that your child is exposed
to during such events.
3) Prompt discussion by asking your child what he/she has heard or what other
kids are saying.
4) Determine your child's concerns and take them seriously.
5) Be prepared to tackle the tough questions, such as "Why did this happen?"
or "Could this happen to me or my family?"
6) Keep family routines as normal as possible.
7) Increase quality family time and allow for fun, play and relaxation.
8) Provide time for extra comforting.
9) Provide age and emotional-appropriate answers to questions, as best as
possible.
10) Monitor your child's behavior and seek assistance if necessary. Look for
signs that are uncommon in his/her behavior, moods, school performance,
concentration, sleep patterns, and cooperation.
*Please feel free to call the Counselor's office for additional information
or questions.
