SanTan Sun News: Family Fun - April 2, 2016

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April 2 - April 15, 2016

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FAMILY FUN “An award-winning publication”

SanTan Sun News

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Parents can reassure children with calm words and demeanor after a highly publicized act of terrorism.

Parents can address kids’ fears with calm behavior, reassurance By Max Kraust

Terrorist attacks are never easy to comprehend, and for children it’s even harder. With the recent terrorist attacks in Brussels that left 30 people killed and more than 200 injured, it is likely that children will hear rumblings through news outlets or fellow students and worry about their own safety. Children are very curious and when they ask questions about serious topics such as terrorism, it can be difficult to know how to react. The American Red Cross, in partnership with the American Psychological Association, has offered tips for parents on how to handle these topics.

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Talk to your children It is important to make sure the situation is addressed with children, even if they do not approach with questions. And if children do ask questions, be prepared to answer. These are teaching moments for how to handle unfavorable situations and should be approached in a calm manner. By not reaching out to children, they may have unknown concerns that are left unaddressed. “We know children are connected to the media. They hear things and see things on TV,” said American Red Cross Regional Mental Health Adviser Shannon Durham. “They should bring it up in as calm a way as possible, whatever their family tradition is for death.”

Make sure you are OK with the situation It is vital that parents are not

overwhelmed. Often, it can be a good idea to discuss the situation with other adults before approaching children. This strategy can prevent unwanted reactions and keep children from feeling their parents’ concern, adding to their own apprehensions. “Make sure you are in a good place yourself before you talk to your children,” said Durham. “It’s not a good time to talk to your children if you aren’t in a good state.”

Protect your children

Parents are the protectors of their children and, like in any other situation, it is important to make them feel safe. Though the recent attacks have been overseas, children need to be reassured that their home is a safe place. Mention that law enforcement is doing its job to find the parties responsible and protect the victims and citizens, no matter where the attacks occur. “We tell our children that home is a safe place no matter what. It is the place to be and parents still need to be emphasizing that with their children,” said Durham. “Parents have picked their children up, cleaned off their knees and kept them safe. There are surprises sometimes, but by and large, people are safe.”

Listen to your children

Parents are able to direct the conversation with their children, but it is also equally important to listen to what they have to say. Kids may not always use their words to express how they are feeling, making it also important to pay attention to their body language and reactions.

“Parents, me included, frequently say they will talk to their children about something, but really it is important to listen to your children. Listen with all of your senses,” said Durham. “Parents need to watch their children to see if they are having any kinds of reactions so that they can react appropriately.” Limit time exposed to the news When events like Brussels attacks occur, news stations will often focus all of their attention on them. When children are seeing this information hours or days later, they might believe that these are separate incidents. “The truth is, most children don’t have any idea of where Belgium or Brussels are, but if they see the news over and over, they could become upset,” said Durham. “Parents can get their fill of news when the children aren’t around. Children don’t need to see the news being recycled over and over.” Dealing with these situations is not easy, it is necessary to reassure youngsters. “Parents’ jobs are so hard because we are tasked with being truthful and real at the same time,” said Durham. “There are still lots of good things happening every day that are quite wonderful. We need to help our children put things in perspective.”


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