Terrorism and Children Tips
Read these 4 Terrorism and Children Tips tips to make your life smarter, better, faster and wiser. Each tip is approved by our Editors and created by expert writers so great we call them Gurus. LifeTips is the place to go when you need to know about Emotional tips and hundreds of other topics.
Routine and Structure
The best way to protect a child from the effects of terrorism is to be sure they have routine and structure in his/her daily life. Children derive a sense of security when they know what to expect in their immediate world and this simple preventative measure will do more to lower a child's stress from terrorism than just about anything else you could do.
Less is More
Even though we may try to protect young children from the effects of terrorism by limiting their exposure to the media, they still can "sense" the tension in others. Still, it is best to say "less" than "more" to very young children about what is happening. It is better to just assure them that they are safe. For an article on talking to a child about terrorism, please see Terrorism & Children.
Responses to Trauma
Traumatic experiences bring many common responses, such as insomnia, fatigue, nightmares, hypo or hyper activity, physical ailments such as stomach aches, head aches, or body pain, lack of concentration, anger, depression, anxiety, and uncertainty. Whewww!
The best thing you can do is to provide love, security, acceptance, and a listening ear. It is best not to bring up subjects unless the child has shown an interest. Follow the child's lead in conversation. Answer questions simply but do not approach subjects the child has not asked about. Being there is the most supportive thing you can do! For an article on talking to terrorism and children please see Terrorism & Children.
Effect of Terrorism on Children
Your child may seem unaffected by terrorism, but they probably are. Reports of murders, war, and violence are in the newspaper, on TV, and the radio. It is impossible to shield children from the effects. So, what should you do?
One thing you can do is to assure children that the terrorism is not at your location but somewhere else in the world. Do not deny that the event took place, just offer support, talk about it in very simple terms, and assure the child that they will not be affected by it. For an article from a trauma expert, please go to Coping With Traumatic Events.
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