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We received this in an email and would like
to pass it on to you. We at The Classroom feel great sorrow and grieve
for those who have died, suffered and are suffering due to the irresponsible
acts of people who have little regard for the lives of those around them
and themselves. We urge all our students both old and young to find the
inner strength that will see us through the days to come.
Calmness and Age-Appropriate Conversation Recommended
When Speaking with
Youngsters About Today's Events, Says Loyola
Expert
"MAYWOOD, Ill., Sept. 11 -- Adults must
maintain a sense of calm when speaking with children about today's
tragic events in New York and Washington, D.C., while also recognizing
a child's level of understanding
and sensitivities to emotional events,
says Kim Dell'Angela, Ph.D., assistant professor of pediatrics and
pediatric psychologist at the Ronald McDonald Children's Hospital
of Loyola University Medical Center.
"Children sense a parent's agitation
and often will react to it," said Dell'Angela. "Naturally, children
will have an interest in the news events that are happening, so it's
extremely important that adults target the children's level of understanding
and be aware of their own sensitivities and sensibilities. Some children
are very interested in
details; others may get upset and need
to be shielded from too much information," she said. Other
suggestions Dell'Angela offers include:
* Assure children that they are safe.
Children focus on their immediate well-being and the safety of their
loved ones. If, for example, a family member lives in New York or
is an airline employee, reassure the
child with any information you can provide.
* Acknowledge that a bad thing has happened
and that people have been hurt, but keep your words short and sentences
brief.
* Only present the facts. Do not speculate
on the cause or people responsible. Comparing the current issue to
past tragedies will only confuse children, especially young children.
* Censor and closely monitor media exposure.
Younger children will be upset by recurring images of the tragedy
on television. Limit their exposure to the media. Older children
may want more details to help
process their understanding of the events.
* Maintain a sense of normalcy. Do what
you can to keep your family's schedule as normal as possible, such
as having family meals at their regular times. However, take time
to answer the questions that arise and
be flexible if your child is particularly upset and may need to suspend
usual activities. This will likely be temporary.
* Suggest age-appropriate activities
to help children feel that they can contribute. Younger children
can draw a picture or say a prayer; older kids can write letters
of support to the victims and their families or
collect money for related charities."
