Terror Attacks
10 Tips on Talking to Your Children About Terror Attacks
It is not possible to shield our children from the events such as the events that Canada has experienced this past week. They see and hear the stories on TV, radio, in the newspaper and they also note the emotional responses from the adults in their lives. The experts on such matters offer the following advice:
1. Remain calm. This will help your child to feel safe.
2. Take the time to listen and talk to your children. They will have questions and keeping the lines of communication open are reassuring to them.
3. Parents should avoid exaggeration and speculation. Tell them the known facts and point out that the fast breaking news reports are often false.
4. Limit your child’s exposure to the visual images on TV of the horrors as it is likely to raise anxiety.
5. Assure your children that the authorities are doing everything possible to ensure everyone’s safety.
6. It has important that children hear from you that the people that committed these act may come from a foreign country but most of the individuals from that country are good people and would never do such things.
7. Talk to your children about the senselessness of hate and violence. Explain that Canada is a country that cherishes our freedom and peace.
8. Emotions are an integral part of being human. Parents need to be sensitive to the fact that is is OK for them to be upset and that you are there for them.
9. Your child may wish to remain unusually close to you. It is OK to make changes to your normal routines but aim for a quick return to your normal patterns.
10. If faith is an important part of you family beliefs, this is a time to help your child relate the events that are occurring to your trust in your faith.
If you believe your child needs more intensive assistance, seek professional help with counselling.