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Did I hear more snow? When is spring going to burst
through? This time of year children become more
restless. They can't seem to "sit still". We often
call this "Spring Fever". After being cooped up for
the winter, most kids can't wait to get outside to
run and play in the warmer weather! This year, some
of the excitement of the arrival of spring, has
been clouded by our country going to war with Iraq.
This has resulted in a level of heightened anxiety
for all of us. The news on television is constantly
updating us with the events of the war. While the
adults are concerned about the war, the effect of
the war also impacts our children. They too are
experiencing fear and anxiety. Children will need
to express their fears and worries about the war to
the adults around them. It is important that their
parents encourage them to talk, listen to them, and
answer their questions. This will help children put
the information about the war into perspective. It
is important to reassure children that their
feelings are normal.
Helpful Tips For Parents:
. Children's reactions to the war are heavily
influenced by their parent's, you hold the key as
to whether your child feels the world is a safe or
scary place.
.Maintain family routines, let you children know
they can talk with you about their fears
. Create a family plan to follow in the event of
an emergency - this helps your child feel safe
. Remember to comfort and reassure them that
they are safe
. Answer all questions in simple and clear
language - let them know that the police and other
agencies are working to keep us safe.
. If your child is worrying about a family
member - Do Not Tell Them Not to Worry - explain to
them that lots of people are concerned about them
being safe and they have practiced their job for
this moment.
. Be Honest - false reassurance doesn't help
this age group
. Limit the amount of exposure your child has to
the war coverage - read a story together, go for a
walk, watch a video, play a family game, or a
special dinner.
. Don't be afraid to say I don't know - keeping
communication open means being able to say you
don't have all the answers - explain that wars are
complicated and things happen that adults can't
explain.
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