WTC Records Folder 0128 Disaster Information General label, 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

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or stress. Point Do not limit or negatively react to verbalizations of fear, anxiety and upset. out how normal those reactions are and that you too are confused with It is ok for your children to see you cry. Crying is one way we all cope sadness and stress. about them. • ASK children what their biggest fears are and encourage them to talk Play with children too young to talk.

• Limit everyone's exposure to tv and other media.

• Make your children's routine as normal as possible.

OTHER IDEAS Use a map to show how far they are from the current danger. Stress how you will keep them safe. envelope and you (the adult) will Have them draw or write their fears, then put them away in an worry about them for awhile. Give them a positive affirmation.-"I will keep you safe." to accept the things I Recite a prayer such as the serenity prayer: "God grant me the serenity know the cannot change, the courage to change the things I can, and the wisdom to difference".

always grasp abstract concepts. Concrete action can be very important for children who .do not blankets, clothes and other needed Have your child collect donations for the Red Cross, help get rather than dwelling on sadness supplies or similar activities. This helps to teach children that This is a valuable lifelong skill we can use it to make a very bad situation just a little bit better. for coping.

OLDER CHILDREN helped through routine and structure. Older children feel the world is out of control. They can be specific contributions. They can be helped to demonstrate their sadness by making others, raising money for relief Encourage older children and teenagers to get involved in helping relief agency, or counseling younger efforts, volunteering to give blood, donating time to a sending cards to fire fighters and children, sending cards to others who have lost a loved one, others, wearing red, white and blue police who have lost fellow officers, creating a mural with ribbons. Maya Angelou and others who Have them read about Anne Frank, Martin Luther King, Jr., marshaled their fears. power." "Life's deepest wounds integrated can become one's greatest

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