- Consider your child's point of view: Young children tend to tie everything in to how it relates to them. So it's likely that they could be afraid that something like this would happen to them in the future. They may also be picking up on your sadness or anger, and it can be scary for them to know that parents have these feelings.
- Find the silver lining: Talk about the heroes that day--the policemen, firemen, doctors, nurses and other workers that did their best to help.
- Reassure your child's fears: Above all else, your child wants to know that she (and her family) are going to be unharmed. Let her know that is something you want as well. Say something like,"Sometimes bad things happen to good people. But not all the time and not to you. I will always do my best to keep you safe."
- Encourage your child to come to you: If you suspect your child has questions that he isn't asking, seek him out instead. Let him know that he can ask you anything and you will give him an honest answer.
- Limit what your child watches: We see a report on the news about September 11 and we know that the newscaster is just talking about an event from years ago. Your child won't necessarily understand that. They may either think it is happening right now, or in the instance of something being shown repeatedly, that it is happening over and over again.
Some books to help in your September 11th discussions: (Click on the title to place a hold via InfoSoup)
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