Help your child deal with fear and uncertainty

Much like adults, dealing with traumatic events such as war, attacks on our communities or crime can be stressful for children. They may feel apprehension, sorrow and anger.

Here are things you can do to help your child deal with events or issues that cause fear and uncertainty:

• Reassure your child that he or she is safe. Tell your child you love him or her every day.
• Stick to routines. It is easiest for children to deal with stress when they feel comfortable and know what to expect.
• Minimize exposure to the media. Do not let children or teens repeatedly view footage of traumatic events and avoid letting them watch alone.
• Talk to your child about how he or she is feeling. Don't wait for questions; your child may not know how to bring up the topic. 
• Talk about what has happened in terms your child can understand. What we don't talk about openly makes our children more fearful.
• Be truthful and allow your child plenty of time to ask questions. Children often fill gaps with their imagination, and the scenarios they create can be more frightening than reality.
• Encourage your child to express his or her feelings. If your child has difficulty talking, suggest drawing, writing or acting out scenes with dolls.
• If you believe your child is having serious or ongoing difficulty coping with fears caused by current events, talk to your child's pediatrician, a counselor or a mental health professional.