Helping Children After a Disaster; American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry Facts For Families: “It is important to acknowledge the

frightening parts of the disaster when talking with a child about it. Falsely minimizing

the danger will not end a child’s concerns. Several factors affect a child’s response

to a disaster.” Can be printed out and used as a handout to guide and encourage parents in talking with their children about yesterday’s events. And: Talking with Children About Terrorism: “Judith Myers-Walls, a Purdue University Extension specialist in child development and family studies, has researched children’s reactions to wars and disasters and offers advice for parents and others on how to help children cope with the terrorist attacks at the World Trade Centers and Pentagon.”

Assume the kids know about it. They probably know more than you think. The reality of today’s world is that news travels far and wide. Adults and children learn about disasters and tragedies shortly after they occur, and live video footage with close-ups and interviews are part of the report. Children and youth are exposed to the events as soon as they can watch TV or interact with others who are consumers of the news. Not talking about it does not protect children. In fact, you may communicate that the subject is taboo and that you are unavailable if you remain silent.

Also: Cornell expert advises parents on how to help children cope with news of terrorist attacks: “…Parents and other adults will naturally tend to become preoccupied, anxious, and sad by the disaster, but they must guard against this where children are concerned. If adults are “psychologically unavailable,” children will suffer. This is a major issue. The message to parents is clear: Don’t become glued to the television and unavailable to your children when they need you most.”