Children were especially vulnerable to feelings of anxiety and fear following terrorist attacks like the events of 9/11/2001, the tragedies in London, and the bombing in Oklahoma City. They may have developed long term anxiety disorders, depression, or post traumatic stress syndrome. Adults are sometimes so shocked themselves by these events that addressing the special needs of children may have been delayed or overlooked.
There are resources available to help children deal with their feelings and understand that adults in charge have made plans to protect and support them through the worst of times. When children are subjected to arguments between adults about how government or first responders have responded to or failed to address security issues, they may revisit the initial trauma as if no support or intervention had been provided. Experiencing a parent's anger following terrorist events can cause as much distress as recognizing that adults know fear and panic or can feel helpless during emergencies.
The Department of Veteran Affairs National Center for Post Traumatic Stress Disorders lists common reactions seen in young and school aged children, (1 to 6 and 6 to 11), preadolescents and adolescents, (12 to 18), and suggestions for how to talk to children of different age groups. If your child has a developmental disability, is gifted, or is especially vulnerable to stress or anxiety, they may show different responses than those listed in their age range. Many of the suggestions on these pages are helpful for people of all ages following a crisis.
Keep in mind that our children depend on us to be brave and comforting on the anniversaries of terrorist events and will always look to us for reassurance even when we are distracted by other issues. Taking time to reflect on our own needs for reassurance and control can help us give our children a better outlook on the future and the sense of well-being they deserve.
Browse at your local bookstore, public library or online retailer for
Books on Childhood Fears
Sesame Workshop and 9/11
http://joanganzcooneycenter.org/Cooney-Center-Blog-172.html
Soothing Children's Fears - Bella Special Needs
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art35602.asp
Terrorist Attacks and Children
http://www.ncptsd.va.gov
The Sesame Street Workshop Parent site gives advice on how to acknowlege, reassure and listen to children's concerns, according to their developmental age; under two, three to five, and six to eleven.
Tragic Times Healing Words
http://www.sesameworkshop.org
We welcome discussion of any of these topics at the SNC forum at
Special Needs Children Discussion
http://forums.bellaonline.com/postlist.php?Cat=0&Board=58
Special Needs Children at Bella Online
Terror Bombings in London July 7, 2005
http://www.bellaonline.com/articles/art33410.asp
UCLA School Mental Health Project
Center for Mental Health in Schools
Crisis Prevention and Response -Resources and Information Links
http://smhp.psych.ucla.edu/qf/p2107_01.htm
The Whole Child - Development and Education for the Early Years
Early Childhood Settings and Approaches
DVD, Book, and Caregiver's Guide
These resources include chapters on how parents, teachers and other caregivers can help young children cope with violence, terrorism, natural disasters and other unsettling events.
