Helping Children Cope with Unsettling Times

Helping Children Cope in Unsettling Times: Tips for Parents & Teachers

People in the United States and around the world are facing difficult and unsettling times. Concerns over war and the threat of terrorism dominate the news. The nation’s heightened state of alert has many people on edge.

Children may become confused or fearful that they or their loved ones are at risk. Adults need to make children feel safe.

Tips for Adults

     • Remain calm and reassuring.
     • Acknowledge and normalize their feelings.
     • Take care of yourself. If you are anxious or upset, your children
       are more likely to be so as well.
     • Maintain a normal routine.
     • Spend time together as a family.
     • Be a good listener and observer.
     • Emphasize that people are resilient.

On a practical level,

      • Turn off or monitor the television.
      • Discuss events in age-appropriate terms.
      • Stick to the facts.
      • Differentiate between war and terrorism.
      • Be willing to discuss the concept of death.
      • Have a family plan.
      • Communicate with your children’s school.

Teacher Tips include:

      • Assess student needs during anxious times.
      • Make time for class discussion.
      • Stop bullying or harassment immediately
      • Encourage the children to talk to you or a caring adult.
      • Do something positive with students to help others.
      • Become aware of possible reactions that children or adolescents
        have to trauma.

Behaviors to watch for include: clinging to parents, refusal to go to school, fear of the dark, poor concentration, irritability, physical complaints, sleep disturbances, nightmares, withdrawal from activities and friends, listlessness, and increases in conflicts with others.

Additional Resources:

American Red Cross.

FEMA for Kids is an age-appropriate site for children to learn what to do before during and after a disaster to safeguard themselves, their families –even their pets. Terrorism related topics include: Facing Fear: Helping Young People Deal with Terrorism and Other Tragic Events; Suggestions for Adults Talking and Thinking with Children About the Terrorist Attacks; and, How to Talk to Children

Maryland Department of Education Special Report to Parents and Teachers: Talking to Children About Tragedy about the Threat of Biological Warfare and Terrorist Attack.

Maryland Department of Education Guide Explaining War to Children

Frequently Asked Questions after Traumatic Events