NCJ Number
199448
Date Published
2003
Length
17 pages
Annotation
This chapter addresses the needs of youth and the role of parents in helping young children deal with shocking violence, specifically the terrorist attacks against the United States on September 11, 2001.
Abstract
A parent’s job is to setup an environment in which a child feels love, safety, and protection. When there is a crisis or drastic change in the world, children, like adults, must work to find a new understanding of their world. In this chapter, the author discusses how parents can reassure their children, such as in the aftermath of the September 11, 2001, attacks against the United States, by taking care of themselves enough to allow themselves to trust a child’s instincts and let the child tell them what they need. There are several ways to be a good parent and this chapter offers parents suggestions in helping their children that include: (1) know yourself; (2) watch and listen to the wide variety of responses from children in crisis; and (3) offer meaningful reassurance, such as hugs and kisses, supportive words, information or education, comfort and structure and predictability. When children experience loss or trauma, they will have emotional responses. However, they can learn to cope with difficult situations. Parents are important in shaping their children’s environment, so it is essential that parents know themselves and their own styles of response. Parents must take care of themselves so they can appropriately take care of their children. 1 Reference