At A Glance

Tips On Helping Children

Parental reaction in the face of tragedy or disaster is important to children, according to the National Child Traumatic Stress Network. Headaches, stomachaches, nightmares, bedwetting or acting out in anger can all be common childhood responses to traumatic stress. If needed, seek professional help.

w Safety first. Children need to know that parents, teachers and other caregivers will do their best to keep them safe. Young children may not realize a disaster is over or happened far away. Familiar routines, hugs and reassurances can help.

w Monitor your child’s exposure. Children cope better when they understand what is going on, but pictures and sounds from television, radio or Internet news coverage — even phone conversations — can negatively affect them. Use news coverage as a way to ask your child what she or he has heard and to explain they are safe.

w Talk with your child. Ask what they know and listen to what they have to say. They may not have a correct idea of what happened. Tell them gently, in language they can understand. Be a role model. Tell children being sad is OK.

Source: National Child Traumatic Stress Network