| While children may not seem to be affected by
tragic events, like the terrorist attack on America, they may be
affected and are unable to show it. How do you know if your child is
experiencing a problem or not?
If you child is suddenly experiencing insomnia or nightmares,
appears more nervous than normal, seems to have increased energy or
impulsivity, complains of physical ailments such as headaches or
stomachaches, or is showing an increase in anger or lack of
concentration -- these may be your child's way of saying, "Something
is Wrong!" |
What can you do about it?
Experts say it is best to acknowledge the
event. Many people think that by not saying anything, the child will be
less affected by the event, but this is not true. Honest feelings and
factual information that is age appropriate are necessary for the child
to accept and process what has happened.
When a child's world is turned upside down for any reason --
terrorism to divorce -- it is important to help the child process the
event. One way to do this is to maintain a normal, structured
environment. Children find comfort in bedtimes, mealtimes, bath times,
that are consistent.
Just being in close proximity can be a real comfort for young
children. Elementary age children will want to know more about the
"whys" and "hows" of the situation. A good rule of thumb is to answer
their specific questions without giving more detail than they ask for.
Both elementary and adolescent children often cope better if they are
allowed to express themselves and help. They can take up a community
collection for families affected by the terrorist attack or for a family
who has lost a child to death. Some children prefer to write about the
incident in a journal, create a musical piece dedicated to the terror
act, or write poetry.
The important thing is for the child, at whatever age, to be able to
express him or herself, and for the adult to recognize the signs listed
above that warn that the child is in need of help in order to find an
appropriate outlet for inner feelings.