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In
the aftermath of the tragic events of September 11, 2001,
many people have been struggling with what to tell children
about the terrible events that took place. Do you tell the
children openly? How much detail to you share with them? Do
you let them watch television and see the pictures?
For
each family, the decision might be different. Each child processes
and handles emotional information in a different way.
In
my family growing up, my parents would sit my brother and
I down and discuss things openly and intelligently. My mother
always encouraged my brother and I to ask questions. We were
shown the news, but more as a family activity where we could
ask about what we were seeing. I believe that this is where
my knack for journalism came in.
I
remember watching the news when former President Reagan was
shot. I sat by the television for hours taking notes to later
report to my parents what I had learned. Other events that
took place in the world I followed carefully like the eruption
of Mt. St. Helens in the early 80's.
I
think often times people give children less credit than the
deserve when it comes to what they can handle. I wouldn't
advise showing a small child some of the horrible things that
are shown on the network news, however, discussing with them
current events does help them become accustomed to the ways
of the world.
Below
are links that I have found that could prove useful:
Talk
to Your Children: How to Explain the Disaster
National
Association of School Psychologists
National
Mental Health Association
Zero
to Three ~ Dealing with Terrorism
Connect
for Kids ~ Dealing with Death and Grief
About
our Kids * great resource*
Kids
and Disasters
Dealing
with Trauma
Coping
with a Traumatic Event
Welcome to the Childcare Resource :: Dealing with Trauma
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