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Every child will react in a different way, and concerned adults-parents, teachers, and counselors must help them communicate and cope.
1) Reassure children about their personal safety. Help them understand that there are many thousands of people around the country who are trying to make sure that the country is safe.
2) Be aware of your own emotional reactions around your children. It is appropriate to share your feelings but you must also show your children that you are in control of your emotions.
3) Make an effort to talk to your children more than usual. It doesn't have to be about recent events. Talking about anything at all makes children feel connected to their parents and this in turn brings a sense of security.
4) Avoid directing your anger at the wrong people. Don't let children fall victim to the effects of prejudice and discrimination.
5) As adults, we wish we knew all the answers to our children's questions, but unfortunately, we don't always have answers to today's events. It is important to remember it is appropriate to say "I don't know" and reassure them with the answers you do know.
6) Let you child's questions dictate what you communicate about the events. Find out what the child really wants to know about the topic and what his or her fears are. Your answers should be simple and honest.
7) Reassure your children that they are safe at school and the adults there will care for them and protect them.
8) When your children share their thoughts and feelings that it is important to remind them that all thoughts and feelings are o.k.
9) Keep lines of communication open! Let the school know if a child is having a difficulty time coping.
10) Focus on the positive. There are still many good things happening in people's lives and it is important to highlight those significant events.
11) Seek help for you and your child when you need it. Please do not hesitate to contact your school counselor who can provide services and refer you to other professionals as needed.
What you can do to decrease a child's stress and anxiety:
•Keep to a child's regular schedule as much as possible.
•Plan an activity for your entire family so you and your family feel the strength of your family unity.
•If possible, postpone trips away from your children. Parental absence can lead to anxiety.
•Remain positive. Focus on what you can control and not what you can't.
•Encourage children to participate in helping activities like collecting food or clothing for those in need. . Helping others helps bring a sense of control and feeling that you can do something even when other events seem out of your control.
•Don't let children watch too much television. Hearing about the events over and over will increase anxiety.
•Empower your child with appropriate coping skills prior to a crisis.
•Have a family meeting to develop a family contact in an emergency situation.
•Foster a sense of tolerance and a sense of togetherness. Talk with your children about how others feel and how they can react appropriately to others' feelings.
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