How To Help Ease
Children’s Fears
By Donna Hanusch

On September 11, 2001 our lives were forever changed.
We learned about terrorism and fear!

Before media censorship stepped in, many graphic pieces of video footage were shown.
• Planes hitting buildings.
• People falling to their deaths.
• The WTC buildings collapsing.
• The Pentagon burning.
• People running for their lives.

American
Academy of
Pediatrics
The Parent Center
Dr. Spock
Children’s Defense
Fund Organization

 Limit exposure to news media.

Violent images can cause nightmares.
 Try to keep a normal routine.

Routine helps people feel safe.
 Reassure your child that they are safe .

Tell them they are loved and give extra hugs.

 Listen to your child.

They may have questions and concerns.
 Answer questions honestly.
 Don’t avoid answering. Leave out graphic description.
 Look for the positive.

Make red, white, and blue ribbons. Send cards to the rescue workers. Give to the red cross.

First Lady, Laura Bush did a commercial for the Ad Council and has appeared on several talk shows discussing what parent’s can do to help their children cope with terrorism.
http://webcast.mediaondemand.com/ad_council/20010924/crisis_tv_laurabush_30rp.ram

H E R O S
T o H e l p Y o u r K i d s J u s t R e m e m b e r :
H
UGS
E
NCOURAGEMENT
R
OUTINE
O
PTIMISM
S
MILES

• CNN News
• MSNBC.com
• Family Circle
• Ad Council
• FEMA
• Association Of Child Adolescent Psychology

T H A N K Y O U
GOD
BLESS
A M E R I C A