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JEANNE D. BECKMAN, PH.D. Click here to go to beginning of article © 2001 by Jeanne
Beckman, Ph.D. This article may not be reprinted without permission from the
author. Please see information at end of article for information about obtaining
copy of article. |
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Just as many parents felt they needed to "do" something, children may feel the same way. Parents can donate blood or send money to the Red Cross. Children could make pictures to send to the hospitals and rescue workers. Some children have asked their parents to send some of their allowance to the Red Cross. By "doing," we all work out some of our grief and worry. Above all, be available to your children. Plan some family events together to help feel closer, safer, and regain belief in the future. Children are very good at sensing their parents’ feelings. If you are worried about terrorists at your local grocery store, on the Metra train, at the local museums, your children will sense your feelings of vulnerability. If you become nervous or upset when you talk about difficult news items, you children will sense your feelings and will likely become anxious. If you find you are personally having difficulties with feelings like anxiety or heightened vulnerability, it is time to ask for help in coping with your own worries.
When to be concerned It is normal for parents and children to feel some degree of anxiety about such disturbing news events. Depending on their age, some children may become more clingy or worry about separation from their parents. Some children may temporarily return to thumb sucking or experience other developmental regressions. These are signs that you need to take steps to protect your child from the media onslaught. Again, being willing to listen to the child's worries and to reassure her of the family's safety, will help your child feel more secure. It is not normal to have prolonged preoccupation with specific details of news items or to have strong feelings of immediate or impending danger. Other signs to watch for include being distractible, having difficulty sleeping, or having eating disturbances. Be aware if your child has difficulty concentrating, displays behavior problems, or seems anxious when watching the news. If you do see these signs in your children or yourself, seek help in coping. End |
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Dr. Jeanne Beckman |
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Email: webmaster@jeannebeckman.com |
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