WTC Records Folder 0128 Disaster Information General label, 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

American Red Cross in Greater New York

HELPING CHILDREN AFTER A DISASTER

If they are upset about what has happened, children may experience the same reactions as adults, plus the following:

Bedwetting, thumb sucking or Clinging/fear of being left alone other earlier-age behaviors Fear of the dark Withdrawal and isolation Fighting/irritability Lack of cooperation, stubbornness Passivity and helplessness Noticeable sadness or anxiety Guilt; tendency to self-punish May not want to attend school Change in school performance Reckless/repetitive play Increase in fantasy play

You should decide what is best for your children, but consider using these suggestions as guidelines to help children cope during this time:

- First help yourself; then you are ready to help children cope - Be honest and open about the disaster; tell them what is real - Talk about the event, encourage family members to describe what they: saw, heard, thought, smelled, felt, etc. during the disaster. - If they do not want to talk, encourage them to draw pictures and then discuss them - Tell them what you will do to make re-occurrence less likely - Let children know that everyone, including you, gets frightened or anxious and suggest what they can do to handle these feelings - Monitor children's post-disaster media viewing; schedule other activities instead - Spend extra time with children at bedtime, if they have trouble going to sleep - Allow children to grieve about their lost treasures (e.g., toys, blanket, pet, whatever) - Include children in discussions about preparing and planning for the future - Give as much comfort and as many hugs as needed - Older children may benefit from involvement in recovery efforts in the community - Teenagers find security in their friends and may need to spend time with them - Alert your child's teacher to help with any problems at school

If you would like more help to manage your child's stress, you may want to speak to a mental health professional at your child's school, your local Red Cross chapter or the Department of Mental Health; or contact your insurance carrier for referrals. For emergencies, go to the nearest Emergency Room.

The toll-free number for the American Red Cross in Greater New York is 1-877-RED CROSS.

NYC-WTC 000137352