[CabotCommunity] Information from Cabot School

[Jo Doherty]

Helping Children To Cope War and Terrorism

 

The Cabot PTO was asked by Cabot's Principal, Dr. Quarcoo, to distribute
this notice to all Cabot families via the email distribution system. If you
know of a family at Cabot who does not have access to email or who might not
yet have registered their email onto the PTO distribution system by visiting
http://cabotpto.org/mailman/listinfo/cabotcommunity_cabotpto.org    then
please give them a copy.

--------------------

Prepared by LuAnn Keough, Ph.D. Cabot School Psychologist
9/7/06

 

In the post-911 world, we are faced daily with news about war and threats of
terrorism. Children may have concerns about a basic sense of safety and
security and parents and caregivers may question how to support each other
and their children as we mark the 5th anniversary of the 911 attacks.

 

A child's response to traumatic world events is shaped by their
developmental level, temperament, prior experiences with loss or traumatic
events, and the reactions of adults around them. School-aged children may
talk about feelings of sadness, fear, worry, and anger and also communicate
these through artwork play, and behavior. Adults need to help children feel
safe at a time when the world seems to be a more dangerous place. 

 

The following suggestions for helping children cope are adapted from the
National Association of School Psychologists handouts Children and Fear of
War and Terrorism, and Promoting Resiliency in Your Child: A Tip Sheet for
Parents, 

 

*	Be calm and supportive-Children will become more upset as adults are
more upset.

*	Offer realistic reassurances-Help children understand that adults
are working hard to make things safe. 
*	Give your child opportunities to express their feelings-Let them
know that all feelings are okay and be a good listener.
*	Be prepared to answer questions- Share factual information
appropriate to your child's developmental level and take time to think about
how you want to frame these events
*	Focus on their strengths- Encourage children to use strategies that
have helped them feel better in the past and talk about ways to cope with
stress, such as relaxation and exercise.
*	Establish/maintain routines-Routines help children to feel more
stable, secure and in control.
*	Limit TV and Internet viewing- This is especially important for
younger children, and some children may cope better by completely avoiding
these reports. 
*	Empower your child to take positive action- Encouraging children to
reach out to help others in their community and teach peace building skills.


 


Some Resources about Helping Children Cope with War and Terrorism 


 

*      www.PBS.org/parents Parents Guide to Talking with Kids About War and
Violence-    Information about developmental level and understanding/coping
with current events.

*      www.nasponline.org Website for the National Association of School
Psychologists- provides resources on supporting children coping with war and
terrorism.

*      www.nccev.org Website for the National Center for Children Exposed to
Violence at Yale Child Study Center. Downloadable publication Parent's Guide
to Talking to their Children About War

 

If you are interested in speaking with me about any further resources or
issues, please contact me by phone at (617-559-9405) or email at
LuAnn_Keough at newton.k12.ma.us. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Jo Doherty

Cabot PTO Co-President

11 Leonard Avenue,

West Newton, MA 02465

617-332-1530

jcdoherty11 at comcast.net

 

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