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There are effective strategies to protect children from the news onslaught:

• Adopt the policy of no TV news programs while your children are awake.

• Avoid discussing such topics when their young and/or "impressionable" children are within earshot.

• Take turns listening to the TV news and special news broadcasts in a separate room.

• Videotape news programs to be viewed after the children are in bed.

When your child does hear about situations in the news, it is important for you to make yourself available to talk to him. Listening to your child's concerns is the first step.

Have your child volunteer information so that you know what he is thinking and worrying about. This will help you know how to address his concerns. Sometimes the child's statements can be clues to his worries. When your child comes home from school stating that they talked about crashing airplanes or terrorists on the playground, first ask what he has heard.

If your child does not ask questions but you notice he has become more clingy or otherwise more anxious when he sees disturbing images on TV or in the newspaper, you can bring up the topic by saying, "Many children are worried about this terrorist thing. What do you think?"

If your child specifically alludes to or mentions the topic, you can also ask whether he is worried that that kind of thing could happen to him. You could say, for example, "Are you worried that someone might crash into a building near us" or "Are you worried about Mommy or Daddy flying in an airplane?"

Helping your child feel safe

Your child needs you to help him understand the situation correctly and especially needs you to help him feel safe. You need to explain the facts in a way he can understand, correct distortions and misunderstandings, and reassure the child that he is safe. Reassure your children that you are there to take care of them and do things together as a family.