Mommy (Daddy), Why do those people want to hurt everyone?
Last week, the world was shaken by another terrorist attack. Hot on the heels of the Live 8 benefits and in the middle of the G8 Summit, bombs exploded in London. Adults around the globe were glued to CNN and spent time discussing their feelings about the event around the water cooler at work, with their partners at home or in online discussion groups and e-mails. Collectively, we reached out and were comforted and reassured by the words of Prime Minister Tony Blair and other world leaders.
Many adults, however, do not realize how many kids are exposed to the same news. Older children may read the newspaper or watch the news on TV. Others may be exposed to "breaking news" during an interruption in their favorite cartoon t.v. program and still others can easily stumble across the information online via MSN, Yahoo, Google or any of the other online portals. While adults were declaring their solidarity in the War On Terror last week, many children's anxieties and fears were being overlooked.
In our efforts to protect our children and preserve the innocence of childhood as long as possible, we attempt to shield them from the atrocities that occur in today's turbulent times. When events such as the bombs in London, the events at the elementary school in Belsan, Russia in September, 2004 and the September 11th attacks on the World Trade Center occur, our natural instinct is to not discuss the events of the day with our children. Yet, as news of terrorist attacks or other tragedies surround them, your children may be feeling frightened, anxious, sad and confused.
As a parent, only you can decide what news is appropriate for your children but do not assume that your child does not have an awareness of the tragic events that have a global impact. It's important to talk to your children about the actions that shape our lives but the amount of information you share with your child differs across age groups and even from child to child.
The best way to make sure kids know they are safe, is to talk with them about what they see and hear and give them a chance to express their feelings.
Parents with children reacting to the news should:
? Know all the facts: Parents should help their children cope with the attacks first by finding out how much they know about what happened.
? Know yourself: Try to be aware of your own anxieties in order to know your child's.
? Know your child: Children may not have the verbal capacity to discuss their anxieties. Watch for new behavioral/physical manifestations of their fears. For example, your child may reveal his/her anxiety by not wanting to separate to go to school or camp.
? Reduce media exposure: It's important to filter the information that your child receives so that you can control the intensity of the reaction, instill in your child your sense of values and moral principles, and keep the lines of communication open and let them ask questions.
? Build a plan: Children, no matter their age, are primarily concerned with safety "Am I safe? Is my family safe?" To allay their fears, work with your child to create a safety plan.
Remember: World disasters are scary for adults and children alike. Always reach for more assistance when unsure of your next step.
Dr. Charles Sophy currently serves as Medical Director for the Los Angeles County Department of Children and Family Services (DCFS), which is responsible for the health, safety and welfare of nearly 40,000 foster children. He also has a private psychiatry practice in Beverly Hills, California. Dr. Sophy has lectured extensively and is an Associate Clinical Professor of Psychiatry at the University of California Los Angeles Neuro-Psychiatric Institute. His lectures and teachings are consistently ranked as among the best by those in attendance.
Dr. Charles Sophy, author of the "Keep 'Em Off My Couch" blog, provides real simple answers for solving life's biggest problems. He specializes in improving the mental health of children. To contact Dr. Sophy, visit his blog at http://drsophy.com
executive chauffeured services Bradford .. Madison to Airport carYour child's leadership skills begin at the family dinner table.... Read More
Child Car Seat Safety:We know you love your children, but... Read More
Why are more people, especially parents not outraged?I call it... Read More
The purpose of this article is to address some of... Read More
Giving advice to a teenager is very easy; getting a... Read More
For most children, it is easy to learn to read... Read More
The older my daughter gets the more it's sinking in... Read More
Mother's Day is important for children.This Mother's Day take note... Read More
'How can I start getting my children to help out... Read More
Puberty can be a difficult time for children. Not quite... Read More
If you had to spend 4 or 5 hours in... Read More
Hope, excitement and anxiety all wrapped up in fresh haircuts... Read More
It's that time of year when mom and dad look... Read More
No matter what you say or do, your kids will... Read More
When planning a child birthday party, just a little bit... Read More
While most fathers aspire to become the best Dads they... Read More
What one word best sums up summer fun? Water. I... Read More
I am crying tears of joy mixed with great sadness... Read More
Part of the responsibility of being a father is to... Read More
As a hypnotherapist, I am acutely aware of the power... Read More
I never dreamed that I would be in a position... Read More
It's funny how people seem to think that they have... Read More
Not nearly as often as it should. Most child abuse... Read More
Salon visits can be scary experiences for small children: They... Read More
Anyone can become a parent; there are no tests or... Read More
O'Hare Chicago prom limo ..Criticism is punitiveOur children judge themselves on the opinions we... Read More
Just two days ago, another 15-year old child was added... Read More
Every summer our daughter goes to summer camp. She looks... Read More
Some years ago when touring the Scottish Highlands, a man... Read More
We need a grass roots campaign targeted towards parents to... Read More
I have three children, ages 19 and 16 (yes, the... Read More
From criticizing a spouse, to claming up about one's own... Read More
17 Quick Ways to Strengthen the Bonds of LoveOn Mother's... Read More
For many adults, reading a book or newspaper seems effortless.... Read More
It is hard to believe that summer is coming to... Read More
A study done by the Thomas B. Fordham Institute found... Read More
Here is an easy, inexpensive and fun kid experiment for... Read More
We all wish that our children should not smoke or... Read More
The main thing we noticed since having a baby is... Read More
Do you have a high maintenance child?"Thank goodness my second... Read More
The legend and myth of the Tooth Fairy is a... Read More
There is a front line and a back end to... Read More
Here's a scene: A parent "might suddenly grab a happliy... Read More
To protect children's self-esteem or deflect complaints by parents, many... Read More
Home-schooling removes children from public school. That alone makes home-schooling... Read More
As parents and teachers, sometimes we want to praise, at... Read More
We want our children to do the right thing, especially... Read More
Best friends! It may seem impossible to believe, but today's... Read More
Many people consider plush toys great for children. They say... Read More
Let's be honest! When it comes to parenting, men expect... Read More
Parenting |