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Helping Children Cope with Trauma
Good advice for post-hurricane, earthquakes,
storms, the World Trade Center bombings, the War in Iraq, and other events
that especially affect children.
After any disaster, children are most afraid that the event
will recur, that they or someone they love will be hurt or killed, that
they may be separated from those they love and be left alone. Here are
ways that you can help children cope with trauma:
-
Children under
the age of six should not be exposed to the TV videotape coverage
of the [Trade Center, or any other type of violent] attacks, and
the viewing time allowed older children should be limited.
-
Allow children
to express their feelings about what has happened and share your
feelings with them. Regressive behavior (i.e., thumb-sucking, night
wakings, and bed wetting) may occur in response to the trauma. Do
not punish or scold the child for the behavior, but instead try
to help him or her put their feelings into words.
-
Reassure children
that they are now safe and that they are loved.
-
Be honest with
children about what has occurred and provide facts about what happened.
Children usually know when something is being sugar-coated.
-
Try to return yourself,
your children, and your family to as normal a routine as possible.
This helps provide a sense of security and safety.
-
Spend extra time
with your child, especially doing something fun or relaxing for both
of you.
-
Remember the importance
of touch. A hug can reassure children that they are loved.
- Review family safety
procedures so children will feel prepared the next time an emergency
situation occurs.
- Talk with teachers,
baby-sitters, childcare providers and others who may be with children
so they understand how the child has been affected.
- Watch for signs of
repetitive play in which children re-enact all or part of the disaster.
Although excessive re-enactment of a traumatic experience may be a
warning sign, this behavior is an appropriate form of expression of
emotions. Encourage a child who is not able to articulate their express
their feelings through coloring, drawing, or painting.
- Praise and recognize
responsible behavior and reassure children that their feelings are
normal in response to an abnormal situation.
Reprinted
with permission. Founded in 1952, the American Counseling Association
is the world’s largest private, non-profit organization for
professional counselors. Dedicated to promoting public confidence
and trust in the counseling profession, the American Counseling Association
serves nearly 50,000 members in the United States and 50 other countries
by providing leadership training, continuing education and advocacy
services.
ACA fact sheets may be reprinted with attribution.
(Crisis Fact Sheet from
The American Counseling Association. The ACA, its 19 divisions and 56
branches are concerned about the emotional and psychological impacts
of the war in Iraq and other sudden trauma-inducing events such
as the tsunami disaster, and the terrorist attacks on New York City
and the Pentagon. To help individuals cope with these uncertain times,
we offer the previous information, which is equally helpful for individuals
facing other emotional crises in their lives.)
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