As the prospect of war looms, parents need to do more than run to the hardware store to make their families feel secure. High on the list: coping with kids’ fears. Sara’s lucky–her mom works for the National Association of School Psychologists, and she knows the No. 1 rule for dealing with stressed-out children and adolescents: even if parents are anxious themselves, the most important thing is not to let that filter down to the kids. Here are other concrete things parents can do:
MAINTAIN ROUTINES:
As much as possible, keep to normal daily routines–children find them comforting.
TURN OFF THE TV: Limit their exposure to violent TV news, movies and videos.
GET THEM TO TALK: If your child isn’t talking to you, gently bring up the topic.
NOTICE HOW THEY ACT: Watch for signs of distress, such as nightmares, irritability, sleeplessness or clinginess. If concerned about a child’s behavior, seek counseling.
OBSERVE KIDS AT RISK: Remember that children who have been traumatized before are more vulnerable.
REASSURE YOUR CHILD: Remind kids that many people in the community are out there to protect them–police, firemen, paramedics, military.
