Ways Parents Can Help Their Children

(Author Unknown)

1.  Talk with your children.

2.  Provide simple, accurate information to questions.

3.  Allow them to tell their stories about what happened.

4.  Talk with your children about your own feelings.

5.  Let them know that you can feel sadness, confusion, etc.

6.  Listen to what your children say and how they say it.

7.  Repeating your children's words and recognizing fear, anxiety, and insecurity is very helpful. For instance, you can say, "You are afraid that..." or "You wonder if the storm will come again today." This helps both you and the children clarify feelings.

8.  Reassure your child: "We are together." "We care about you." "We will take care of you."

9.  Hold your child -- provide comfort. Touching is important for children during this period.

10. Spend extra time putting your child to bed.

11. Talk and offer assurance.

12. Leave night light on if necessary.

13. Observe your child at play. Listen to what is said and how your child plays.

14. Frequently children express feelings of fear or anger while playing with dolls, trucks, or friends.

15. Provide play experiences to relieve tensions. Work with play dough or paint.

16. Give them something safe like a pillow, ball, or balloon.

17. Allow children to mourn and grieve.

18. If they lost a meaningful toy or blanket, in time, it may be helpful to replace the lost object.