Calm discussions can relieve kids' war anxieties
USA Today
Parents can help relieve their children's fears about war and terrorism. These guidelines are from the National Center for Children Exposed to Violence at the Yale Child Study Center.
Toddlers
- Common reactions: Disturbances in eating, sleeping and bathroom habits. Increased tantrums and clinginess.
- Coping tools: Adults should remain calm and maintain ordinary routines, as these kids mirror parents' stresses. Limit TV exposure.
Preschoolers
- Common reactions: Same as toddlers, plus changes in play, and drawings that may include more aggression or re-enactment of frightening scenes. Possible withdrawal from usual fun activities. Preoccupation with "who did it?" and what will happen to them.
- Coping tools: Same as for toddlers, plus adults should listen to kids' comments and questions, and observe their play. Correct misunderstandings and offer reassurance of their safety.
School-age children
- Common reactions: A need to stay close to parents and an inability to participate in regular activities. Fixation on bad events and revenge or punishment. Nightmares, insomnia, changes in eating habits, aggression and problems at school.
- Coping tools: Listen carefully, observe behavior changes and address specific worries. Friends' ideas should be discussed. Correct any misinformation. Limit exposure to TV news; if watched, an adult should be present to screen and talk about what is viewed.
Adolescents
- Common reactions: Feelings of either terrible helplessness or unrealistic power. Increased experimentation with alcohol and drugs, reckless driving or other behaviors to avoid feeling vulnerable. Adolescents also can become critical of adults around them. They may feel very unsafe.
- Coping tools: Be aware that drastic behavioral changes can reflect stress. Invite them to discuss their feelings and worries, but don't try to force them to talk. They may prefer to confide in peers or other adults. Make sure they have opportunities to talk to whom they want, when they feel ready.
