Making Kids Feel Safe

Disturbing images of U.S. troops under siege in Iraq are shown daily on television and in newspapers. In "Children's Fears of War and Terrorism," the authors discuss the affect traumatic events have on children, even when they're far removed from those events. "Age is a factor in determining the fears that young children face during times of war and terrorism," says co-author and UAB education expert Gwen McCorquodale, Ph.D. The authors recommend that parents avoid exposing children ages 3 and younger to television news. "While very young children will not understand the dialogue related to war or terrorism, they will be afraid of loud noises, and scary images" For older children, adults should discuss tragedies honestly, answering children's questions truthfully. .