My Daddy Works in the City
Sep 17 '01
The Bottom Line Listening to and reasurring America's children will help the healing of our country.
With all of the news coverage of the Trade Center and Pentagon attack children are sure to be affected and distressed these pictures and the things they hear about them. I know watching those planes diving into those buildings over and over again was disturbing for me to see. Children are very perceptive humans who can sense the fear and uneasiness of the adults around them.
Reassurance is essential to helping you kids handle these events. Yes, you will be safe at school. Address their fears with positive answers even if you fear the worst realize those are only your fears and not actual facts. Too much detail isn't necessary with younger children, the younger the child the less details should be given about such events. Tell them about the great country they live in and how it's leaders have overcome other trials and won other battles against those who threatened our freedom. Remind children of what our country and our flag stands for. Tell them of all the brave men and women who are protecting our country, standing guard to insure our safety.
Listening is very important as well. Listen to their concerns and comments about these events. Answer their questions; just be there for them. I know my Dillon and I was watching the television coverage of the attacks and the announcer kept referring to the site as "the city". Dillon became concerned that his daddy worked in the city. I had to explain several times to him that the city daddy works in is far far away from the city on television. I reassured him that daddy was fine and would be home soon.
Being a good example, what you say and how you act are all taken in by your children. I was sad, very sad for the loss of lives. Let your children know that it is okay to be sad and cry and that expressing our feelings is a healthy way of dealing with events such as these. Show you care for and respect the pain of others, here at the house we have had a candle lit sense Tuesday and we play patriotic songs for remembrance. I am also involved in an afghan project for those that are suffering for their loss. Help them to be good examples to others as well, let the children participate in donating food and other things for the rescue workers and families that have suffered losses.
Helping to heal is very important, doing things together as a family like contributing to the rescue efforts, doing special things together, and try to make things seem as normal as possible for the children. Do things you normally do. Most important hug those kids they could have been lost to us, like some of the other families in our nation today. Let those children know we are very fortunate have them in our lives and that they are very loved. Extra cuddle time with each of them would be great. They need us very much right now. I heard that some of the children in the New York school system have parents missing. God Bless those children their healing will be long and hard. Hold those children tight it could have been one of us.
Lastly we, as parents, need to take care of ourselves so we will ready and emotionally available when our children come to us with their concerns, questions and fears. Take some time out from the television, go about our normal routines, talk to friends and family members about our concerns out of the earshot of our children. As parents show a united front of control and support for America's children.
 |
|
|
|
|
|
|
Epinions.com ID:
jroberts80
|
|
Member: Julie roberts
Reviews written: 99
Trusted by: 60 members
|
|
|
© 1999-2009 Shopping.com, Inc.