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“Parents can help children gain a sense of personal
control by talking openly about violence and personal safety.”
Recent acts of violence in Colorado, Pennsylvania and
Wisconsin schools have stunned the nation. Children, in particular, may
experience anxiety, fear, and a sense of personal risk. They may also sense
anxiety and tension in those around them — friends, family members,
loved ones, caregivers and other adults who have a direct impact on the
well-being of children.
Knowing how to talk with your child about violence will
play an important role in easing fear and anxieties about their personal
safety in these tenuous times as well as helping them to manage rising concerns.
To guide parents through discussions about fear and violence, Mental Health America
(MHA) offers the following suggestions:
- Encourage children to talk about their concerns and to express
their feelings. Some children may be hesitant to initiate such conversation,
so you may want to prompt them by asking if they feel safe at school,
in their neighborhood, or in public places. When talking with younger
children remember to talk on their level. For example, they may not understand
the term “violence” but can talk to you about being afraid or a classmate
who is mean to them. Encourage them to express their feelings through
talking, drawing or playing.
- Validate the child’s feelings. Do not minimize a child’s concerns. Let
him/her know that serious acts of violence are not common, which is why
incidents such as these shootings and the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks attract
so much media attention.
- Talk honestly about your own feelings regarding violence. It
is important for children to recognize they are not dealing with their
fears alone. Don’t be afraid to say “I don’t know.” Part of keeping
discussion open is not being afraid to say you don’t know how to answer
a child’s question. When such an occasion arises, explain to your child
that these acts of violence are rare, and they cause feelings that even
adults have trouble dealing with. Temper this by explaining that, even
so, adults will always work very hard to keep children safe and secure.
- Discuss the safety procedures that are in place at your child’s
school, in your neighborhood, and in other public places. Arrange a presentation
by McGruff the Crime Dog, a member of the local police force, or a neighborhood
watch captain.
- Create safety plans with your child. Help identify which adults
(a friendly secretary, trusted neighbor or security guard) your child
can talk to if they should feel threatened. Also ensure that your child
knows how to reach you (or another family member or friend) in case of
crisis. Remind your child that they can talk to you anytime they feel
threatened.
- Recognize behavior that may indicate your child is concerned about
their safety. Younger children may react to violence by not wanting
to attend school or go out in public. Behavior such as bed-wetting,
thumb sucking, baby talk, or a fear of sleeping alone may intensify
in some younger children, or reappear in children who had previously
outgrown them. Teens and adolescents may minimize their concerns outwardly,
but may become argumentative, withdrawn, or allow their school performance
to decline.
- Empower children to take action regarding their safety. Encourage
them to report specific incidents (such as bullying, threats or talk of
suicide) and to develop problem solving and conflict resolution skills.
Encourage older children to actively participate in student-run anti-violence
programs
- Keep the dialogue going and make safety a common topic in family
discussions rather than just a response to an immediate crisis. Open
dialogue will encourage children to share their concerns.
- Seek help when necessary. If you are worried about a child’s
reaction or have ongoing concerns about his/her behavior or emotions,
contact your pediatrician or a mental health professional at school or
at your community mental health center. Your local Mental Health Association
or Mental Health America’s Information Center can direct
you to resources in your community.
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