Tips About Talking to Your Child About War and Terrorism

1. Talking does not increase fear. In fact, anxiety is likely to increase if fears are kept to one’s self.

2. Adults may need to initiate the conversation, taking into account the child’s age and level of understanding. Look for opportunities to bring up the topic, but then follow the child’s lead. Conversations should probably be ongoing.

3. The child’s age and personality style should dictate how much direct access they have to TV. Parents should try to watch with their children.

4. For younger children:
     a. Help them separate reality and fiction since they see war on videos and in movies.
     b. Help them understand this is happening far away even though they see it on TV.
     c. Help them understand the same story may be repeated on television and may not be happening over and over.
     d. Discuss the safety levels in place, including our president and commander-in-chief, the armed services, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, the police, local government agencies, and the individual safety measures we can take.

5. Maintain routines and normal schedules as much as possible.

6. Parents need to manage personal stress to be able to help their children.

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