How to Talk to Kids about War

(ARA) -To help parents and America's kids deal with children's uncertainty and fears following Sept. 11th, and the current environment of possible war and terrorist reprisals, the national children's crisis charity KidsPeace has compiled tips for talking to children. They also offer a Web site to help youngsters work through their fears.

KidsPeace president C.T. O'Donnell II and the clinical experts at more than 50 centers across the country suggest that America's parents do the following:

Listen to children. Allow them to express their concerns and fears.

Regardless of age, the most important issue is to reassure children of safety and security. Tell children that you, their schools, their friends and their communities are all focused on their safety and they will be protected by those around them. Have discussions about those dedicated to protecting us all like police, firefighters, etc. When discussing the events with younger children, the amount of information shared should be limited to some basic facts. Use words meaningful to them (not words like terrorist, retribution, etc.).

Share with them that some bad people have used violence to hurt innocent people in the United States. Discuss that we don't know exactly by whom or why this was done, but violence has occurred. Do not go into specific details.

School-aged children will ask, "Can bad things happen here, or to me?" Do not lie to children. Share that it is highly unlikely that anything like this will happen to them or in their community. Then reiterate how safe and protected they are by all those around them.

Parents, caregivers and teachers should be cautious of permitting young children to watch or listen to news about carnage. It is too difficult for most of them to process. Personal discussions are the best way to share information with this group. Also, plan to discuss this many times over the coming weeks. Ongoing reassurance is critical to children.

When discussing the events with preteens and teens, more detail is appropriate, and many will already have seen news broadcasts. Do not let them focus too much on graphic details. Rather, elicit their feelings and concerns and focus your discussions on what they share with you. Be careful of how much media they are exposed to. Talk directly with them about the tragedy and answer their questions truthfully.

Although this group is more mature, do not forget to reassure them of their safety and your efforts to protect them. Regardless of age, kids must hear this message.

Be on the lookout for physical symptoms of anxiety that children may demonstrate. They may be a sign that a child, although not directly discussing the tragedy, is very troubled by today's events.

Talk more directly to children who exhibit these signs:

• Headaches
• Stomach aches
• Back aches
• Trouble sleeping or eating
• Nightmares
• Withdrawal
• Excessive worry
• Increased arguing
• Irritability
• Loss of concentration
• Refusal to go to school
• Clinging behavior

Parents and caregivers should often reassure children that they are loved. During tragedies like these, words expressing love combined with deeds demonstrating love (for example, walks in the park or attending a community sporting event) can provide the most comfort to children and teens.

If you are concerned about your children and their reaction to this or any tragedy, talk directly with their school counselor, family doctor, or have your older children visit KidsPeace's teen-help Web site, www.TeenCentral.net , which provides anonymous and clinically-screened help and resources for teen problems before they become overwhelming.