Helping Kids Cope with War
Many children are experiencing symptoms of fear and anxiety as the U.S. fights the war in Iraq.
Friday, March 28, 2003
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Durham, N.C. -- Many children are experiencing symptoms
of fear and anxiety as the U.S. fights the war in Iraq. An expert
says parents need to answer their kids' questions about the war
and, most important, reassure them about their own
safety.
As war in Iraq continues, many parents are trying to explain the conflict to their children and help them feel safe. John Fairbank, associate professor at Duke University Medical Center and co-director of the National Center for Child Traumatic Stress, says fear and anxiety are natural for children in uncertain times. Talk with your kids about the war, but don't go into unnecessary detail that may frighten them. Listen to their worries and try to reassure them that they and their friends and families will be safe. Try to maintain a regular family routine, and limit their media exposure to the war.
"Try to monitor and limit children's viewing of news, so that they're not constantly exposed to TV coverage of the war."
Once children can overcome their fears, Fairbank says try to involve them in helping others.
"Once a child is feeling more safe and secure, they can begin to entertain ideas about what they might be able to do to help our soldiers in Iraq, to support them, and also what they might be able to do after the war to help families and children in Iraq."
