|
| |
|
Other Resources:
From National PTA:
From TenTalks.com:
Resources to help kids cope
Children need 'reassurance' in face of
tragedy - visit:
|
"Children are in the strongest position to overcome and be strengthened by the
inevitable disasters of life."
Unfortunately, the tragic events in New York and Washington, D.C. on
September 11, 2001, are widespread and have affected an entire nation of
parents, children, friends, family, neighbors, and co-workers.
We are horrified by the unprecedented acts of violence. Each one of us,
though stunned by the tragic events, must make communicating with children a
priority.
Children are in the strongest position to overcome and be strengthened by the
inevitable disasters of life. As parents, teachers and caring adults we are in a
position to listen, explain and develop positive ideas about the world around
them.
It is important that children are taught respect for differences, which
ultimately helps to eliminate episodes of intolerance, discrimination, and
violence. We must prepare all children to live and work harmoniously and
productively alongside others who represent various and many racial and cultural
groups, backgrounds and abilities in our society.
National PTA offers parents
the following tips:
 | Maintain your composure. Kids model behavior. They imitate
emotional patterns, including grieving, of those around them. |
| Reassure your children that they’re safe. |
| Keep to your normal routines. Children need a sense of
stability. |
| Talk about the tragedy in an age-appropriate manner. Tell
children about your own feelings, but consider their age and
maturity level and make sure not to overwhelm them. Be patient. It’s
common for children to ask the same questions about death and
disaster over and over. |
| Help children to express their feelings. If they don’t
know the words to say how they feel inside, try to help them put
their feelings into words and/or find creative ways of
communicating, such as through art, writing, or music. |
| Listen. Ask questions. Find out what your children know
about the situation. Make sure they understand the facts, and
discuss what they’ve seen or heard, and what their friends and
teachers are saying. |
| Make yourself available. Your children may need extra
attention from you. Make time for them. |
| Explain that there are people who hate for different reasons,
and that hatred is never acceptable. |
| Give your children opportunities to express compassion and
provide help for the victims of the disaster. Whether it’s
praying, donating their allowance to a relief fund, responding to
clothing/food drives or other volunteer activities, or writing
letters to the families of the victims, let children feel as though
they’re helping. And, let them see you help, too. |
| Tell your children you love them, and offer plenty of hugs and
kisses. Maintain a strong level of affection in your home to
help children feel calm. |
National
PTA has also provided online information and resources for parents to help
children cope with disaster. A special section was developed on National PTA’s
website, “Helping
Children Cope with Tragedy,” that provides parents with tips on how to
communicate with children, a forum for groups to discuss tragedy within their
community, a guide for parents to respond to prejudice and discrimination,
resources from National PTA and partner organizations, and links to bulletin
boards that foster related discussions.
Both Connecticut PTA and National PTA extend our condolences and deepest
sympathy to the families of those lost during this National tragedy. We hope
that communities will come together for mutual support, healing, and faith
during this most trying time.
[ Top ]
   
|
