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Web Site: http://www.meridenchildrenfirst.org
165 Miller St., Meriden, CT 06450
Tel: () - Fax: (203) 630-2423

Non-profit group dedicated to improving the lives of Meriden children and families by way of research, leadership, training and advocacy.

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September 12, 2001 SPECIAL EDITION: -- Res ...

September 13, 2001

SPECIAL EDITION:

-- Resources for Talking with Children About the Tragedy

Our hopes and prayers are with all of the individuals and families in New York and Washington, and across the country who have suffered in this 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 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/

Some general advice from the 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

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