the

        children’s

        health market, inc.

 

 

                                                                        

How to Help Children Cope in Times of National Uncertainty -                                     Suggestions for Schools, Teachers and Parents

A Message from The Children's Health Market.

 

We, as Americans, have until recently always enjoyed the luxury of feeling secure and safe. Tragic acts of terrorism have shattered that feeling of safety. As we all grapple with the new reality and look for ways to explain or understand what has happened, we will need to continue to manage our lives in spite of the adjustments that must be made for our future safety. Although you may have already implemented some or all of the following suggestions, we thought you might like to use them as checklists for initiatives you have already begun. These suggestions are derived from a variety of articles published by the National Association of School Psychologists, the American Psychological Association and the American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry :

Suggestions for Schools and Teachers:

I. Keep the routine. Maintain normal school schedules, routines and the structure that helps create a sense of security.

2. Prepare for crisis. Have a crisis plan in place before more tragedy strikes. Include school psychologists, counselors, parents, teachers, law enforcement, community members and administrators on the crisis team. Design, publish and practice school emergency response plans. Have crisis intervention teams trained and mobilized.

3. Keep everyone informed. Provide information to staff, teachers and parents, as it becomes

available. Uncertainty and incorrect information can fuel rumors and add to an atmosphere of tension and fear. Explain any changes in routine and/or new procedures

4. Identify your community resources and prepare to give on-going support to staff and students. Some families may need extra counseling or assistance. A directory of local community resources can be very helpful for families during times of severe crisis. THE GREAT BODY SHOP Reinforcement Activities provide the opportunity for older children to do this activity as a class. Other Issues on identifying community resources come in September, December, January and March.

5. Do not tolerate harassment. Children can easily generalize and develop prejudice, especially toward the ethnicity, race or religious traits of terrorists. Talk about tolerance and justice versus vengeance. Stop any harassment, bullying or teasing of students immediately. THE GREAT BODY SHOP has a complete bullying and harassment strand, which will support your efforts.

6. Acknowledge feelings. Explain that all feelings are okay. Children respond to uncertainty and tragedy differently. Let children talk about their feelings and help put them into perspective. Although anger is normal, children may need help from you to assist them in expressing their feelings appropriately. The themes of feelings and emotional health are explored intensively in the January edition of THE GREAT BODY SHOP .

7. Allow students to become involved, school-wide. Children feel less helpless when they can take action. Consider making get well cards or sending letters to the families and survivors of a tragedy, or writing thank you letters to doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals as well as emergency rescue workers, firefighters and police. These types of Reinforcement Activities are found in THE GREAT BODY SHOP during December, February and April Teacher's Guide units.

8. Monitor and restrict television viewing. Design a plan and list the circumstances under which television programming may be viewed at school. Limiting television exposure is always wise. Too much saturation on horrific events will undermine your efforts to provide an emotionally stable atmosphere at school.

9. Be honest and stick to the facts. When a major event occurs, teachers should be the direct line of communication to students. You are in a better position to provide a sense of comfort and security to students. Do not use the public address system for tragic announcements. Don't minimize a frightening event or pretend that it has not occurred. Children are aware of tragedy and uncertain times. They will be more worried if they think you are too afraid to tell them what is happening.  Keep explanations brief, developmentally appropriate and balance information with reassurances. Do not embellish or speculate about what might happen.

10. Model calm and control. Children take their emotional cues from the significant adults in their lives. Check your own stress level and avoid appearing anxious or frightened. Adults who display a calm demeanor will give children an added sense of security. Take to heart the lessons you teach your children from THE GREAT BODY SHOP.

II. Take time for discussion and activities. In the face of crisis or on-going uncertainty, children will need to periodically process their feelings. Classroom discussions and other activities can be helpful in allowing students to find positive coping skills.

12. Practice safety routines. Just as you practice fire safety drills, practice responses to serious events as described in the crisis intervention plan of your district. Children feel empowered when they are prepared and have practiced school-wide emergency response drills. Look for opportunities in THE GREAT BODY SHOP to practice your emergency response plan.

Suggestions for Parents:

1. Take time to reassure your children. In times of stress, adults may forget to talk to their children. Reassure your children with words and actions of love. Tell them that they will be safe at home, at day-care and at school. Explain that you are safe at work and at home, too.

2. Take time to talk. Discussing current events with your child allows them to get information from you first. It provides you with the opportunity to share your family values surround the events. Be aware of the developmental level of your child and remember to keep things simple.

3. Give your children hugs. Physical touch is enormously reassuring. Some children need it more than others. Give plenty of hugs. Let your child sit close to you, and make sure to take extra time at bedtime to cuddle and to reassure them that they are loved and safe.

4. Limit and monitor television viewing. If they must watch television, watch with them for a brief time; then turn the set off. Don't listen or watch graphic events over and over again. Watching or listening to graphic news can lead to further trauma or desensitize children to violence.

5. Keep the routine. Stick to your family routines. It helps children feel secure. Routines for dinner, homework, bedtime, etc. can be helpful. Take time to do homework and family activities together.

6. Spend quality time together. Quality time has always been important in child rearing. In times of uncertainty, family activities are calming, foster a sense of closeness and security, and reinforce a sense of normalcy. Read together or play games. Spend more time tucking children into bed, and if they ask for it, let them sleep with a light on.

7. Monitor your health. Physical health is important during times of uncertainty. Stress can take a physical toll on adults and children alike. Taking care of yourself, is a good way to take care of your children. Join your child in making sure you both get appropriate sleep, exercise, and nutrition.

8. Take positive supportive action. Consider taking your children to your house of worship. You may also wish to involve your family in community and/or school activities that are designed to get the community involved in broader efforts to support our country and its citizens. We often help ourselves, when we take time to help others.

9. School resources. Talk to your child's teacher or principal to see what school or community

resources might be available to your children. Schools may also have a plan for making counseling " available to children and adults who need it.

10. Observe the family's emotional state. You, like your child, may have a variety of emotional responses to times of uncertainty. Don’t ignore your signs of deep sadness or anger. Depending on the age of your children, they may not express their concerns verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can also indicate a child's level of grief, anxiety or discomfort. Children will express their emotions differently. There is no right or wrong way to feel or express grief. Understand that grief and loss has several stages including shock/denial, anger, sadness, and acceptance. Monitor your response to stress and seek professional help for yourself and your family, as needed. (10/1/01)