WTC Records Folder 0128 Disaster Information General label, 2001

NYC 9/11 Public Portal Document

have special If your child was already going through a hard time when this happened s/he may difficulty now. There is no easy one-size-fits-all answer to help them. DO: increase supervision be prepared for more problems monitor medication be alert for substance abuse and other "coping" methods sadder than Be alert to serious depression which happens when the world becomes scarier or usual. Watch for self harm. Children often over react. Seek help if you feel the need.

DO: Be fl exible. Put aside scheduled activities to help children manage. Reassure. Talk about other challenges that you, they, or this country have faced. Relate. Talk about your childhood. Be honest, but concise. Convey information at an age-appropriate level, be brief. Don't sugar-coat what has happened. Limit exposure to violence. Do not watch the news non-stop. Be careful with movies, videos, books and games, especially near bed time. Strive for closure. No one can make sense out of Tuesday. Look for anything positive to share. Acceptancc. Accept difficult behavior without blaming. Balance. Strike a balance between accomplishing tasks and being sensitive to your child's distress. This balance can shift daily, even hourly. Increase your expectations as time passes.

DEALING WITH FEAR that Fear is normal and unavoidable. Even heros feel fear. Fear keeps you from making mistakes when could hurt you, like walking out into traffic without looking. "All feelings are OK even overwhelmed they are uncomfortable. We can control what we do when we are fearful. Being life,." by feelings is normal. What is important is not to let bad feelings like fear run your

Do not say: "You're big enough not to be scared."

Use prayer. Consider the Sail dance prayer: May the blessings of God be upon yo, And may peace be yours for ever more. May God's presence illuminate your heart, Now and for ever more.

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