Talking with Children about a Crisis

Families in our area post Katrina have been through trauma and/or its aftermath. Those experiences have an effect on how you and your child and the people close to you respond to new crises like the oil spill in the Gulf of Mexico. Remember that the first thing your child looks to you for is safety; the concern you show will trigger a response from your child. Here are some ways to talk to your child and help them as our community handles the latest disaster in the Gulf:

· Talk about your feelings and your child’s feelings.

· Check in with your child to see what he understands and has heard.

· Listen to your child. Listen to his fears. Give him age appropriate information to help him feel safe.

· Watch for signs of regression or other changes in behavior which can tell you if your child is having a hard time.

· If your child is aware of the dangers to the animals on the coast, talk about that. Let them know what people are doing to try to protect the environment and limit the damage.

· Limit and monitor TV time so children are not overexposed. Always ask if they have any questions after they see or hear more about what is happening.

· As with any crisis, spend more time with your child. Take a break from phone conversations and news stories about the current situation. Try to maintain routines and family rituals.

Ranger Rick, a National Wildlife Federation Program has further guidelines on its website: http://www.nwf.org/Kids/Ranger-Rick/Parents-and-Educators/How-To-Talk-With-Kids-Gulf-Oil-Spill.aspx