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HOW
HAS SEPTEMBER 11 AFFECTED OUR CHILDREN?
Memories of the tragedy of September 11, 2001 create many images. Many
of these may cause children to be fearful - visions of collapsing building,
searches for missing bodies, and tears being shed for loved ones.
What impact has this event had on our children? What can parents do
to help?
Purdue University and Kansas State University currently have studies
underway to help answer these questions. The results are still preliminary,
but do show some trends. Judith Myers-Walls, Extension Specialist, Purdue
University offers this analysis and advice based on the data.
- The age of
a child impacts their reaction to this event. Children preschool
age and younger typically don't remember very much or anything about
the events of September 11.
- Children who
do not live close to New York or Washington, DC are not preoccupied
with the attacks at this point a year later. It is not an immediate
crisis for them.
- Children are
confused. Some admit they are confused and others are not aware
of their misunderstanding. Questions arise - Why were we attacked?
Are we at war? If so, this doesn't look like the wars we study in
history class. Who are the terrorists?
- For many children
there are still feelings of sadness and anger. Others feel vulnerable
and unsure about the future.
So what can
parents and other adults do?
- Assume children
know about it, but do not assume they have a complete understanding.
Their knowledge may be confused. It's even confusing for adults.
- Talk about
it. Not talking does not protect children. Continue talking as events
continue to change and as children grow. Their level of understanding
and feelings change over time. Listen to what they say so you can
find out if they have misunderstood any information. Don't explain
more than they are ready to hear, but answer their questions. If
you don't know the answer, search together for more information.
- Help children
feel safe. Assess your own feeling about our county and identify
the things you feel your children should be aware of. Have the new
security precautions helped? Is our world any safer? What people
should children be cautious of? Children need realistic assurance.
Parents cannot protect them from all bad things. Don't say a disaster
like this will never affect your family. Instead say "I'll
always try to keep you safe". Explain that disasters are very
unpredictable and adults are working very hard to make this a safer
place to live.
- Share your
own feeling whether it is fear, anger, or frustration.
- Support children's
concern for people they do not know. Children are often afraid for
others as well as for themselves. Help them to develop caring and
empathy.
- Encourage the
use of creative outlets to express feelings. Use art, puppets, books,
drama, and writing as ways for children to express their feelings.
- Take action
to reduce stress. Find ways for you and your children to volunteer
in your community. Make a difference.
- Decrease the
violence in your children's world. Evaluate television viewing,
play activities, and even your own parenting behavior. Reduce the
exposure your children have to violence and harsh punishment.
- Avoid fostering
hate. Overcome your own fears and prejudices. Children need to learn
how to be safe while they are also reaching out to learn about and
make friends with new people.
Make conscious
decisions about the world you would like your children to live in.
Work together to create something good out of a tragedy.
Joanne Austin
Area Extension Faculty
WSU Cooperative Extension
360-428-4270
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