The nation has been rocked by the worst crisis of our time.  The destruction of the World Trade Center and the Pentagon has left hundreds dead, thousands missing and feared dead, and thousands more injured.  Many parents have asked what children need to know in a crisis situation, what to expect from children in this situation, and how to help.

What Children Need to Know in a Crisis Situation:

1. THIS IS REAL.  This is not pretend or make believe.  Lots of people have died.  Lots of people have been hurt.  People who have tried to help have been hurt and died too.

2. Factual Information – Some people who do not like the United States got in some airplanes and made them crash into some buildings.  There were people working in the buildings.  Lots of those people in the buildings died.  People who were on the airplanes died, too.  Some firemen and policemen and other people got hurt and died when they were trying to help.  People are very sad.

3. Many people will be sad for a long time.  You may see people crying about this.
4. This is not going to go away quickly – this will be on the T.V., radio, and newspapers for a long time.
5. Not all information reported will be true.
6. There are many questions adults cannot answer.

What to Expect From the Children:

1. Many Questions – including these three they are likely to ask:
1. Will it happen to me?
2. Did I cause it?
3. Who will take care of me if my parents die?  Children are worried about themselves when disasters happen.

2. Confusion – Why did this happen?  Why did God let this happen?  When will it end?  What can I do if my parents or friends are sad?  Am I going to die?

3. Fears – new ones (afraid of dark, separation from family, dying), old ones revisited.  (If they were previously scared of something, this may come up again.)

Fears about previous traumas will resurface.

4. Regression – bedwetting, thumb sucking, whining, not wanting to be alone.
5. Indifference – may not show visible signs of being affected.  Life goes on as normal.
6. Behavior changes – watch for extreme mood changes:
1. Withdrawing
2. Clinginess
3. Acting out
4. Hyperactivity
7. Sleep changes – difficulty falling asleep, not wanting to sleep alone.
8. Reflect parent or teacher reactions.
9. Play-
1. Children express fear, anxiety, sadness, anger, and other emotions through play.

2. They may ‘play’ accidents, plane crashes, people being hurt, people dying.

How to Help:

1.      BE HONEST.

2.      Use the word ‘dead’ and ‘died’ instead of ‘passed on’ or ‘we’ve lost them.’

3.      Let them talk and ask questions.

4.      Answer questions honestly.  It is OK to say, “I don’t know.”

5.      Give them permission to cry.

6.      For young children, encourage play or art activities.

7.      Write a letter to a policeman or fireman or an EMS worker as a thank you for what they do to help people.

8.      Give hugs.

9.      Read books to facilitate conversations.

 

In a time of crisis, it is normal for children to respond with questions, fear, depression, confusion, and behavioral changes.  If these symptoms are severe or if they last longer than three weeks, your child should be seen by a pediatrician or psychologist.

For more information please call the Leitchfield Pediatric Clinic at 259-5641.