From another museum related list...I'm sure our colleagues won't mind it
being shared...
Bridget Jones
Sam Rayburn House Museum
Bonham, TX

>Dear Friends and Colleagues:
>
>We found the following information on how to help children cope with
>disasters, and have sent it out to our email membership -- please pass it
>on!  Our best thoughts and wishes are with those who are dealing first hand
>with today's disasters.
>
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>Suzanna Cole
>Director of Visitor Services
>Austin Children's Museum
>201 Colorado Street
>Austin, TX 78701
>ph: (512) 472-2499, ext. 208
>fax: (512) 472-2495
>email: [log in to unmask] <mailto:[log in to unmask]>
>www.austinkids.org <http://www.austinkids.org>
>~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
>
>Helping Children Cope with Disaster
>When an unforeseen disaster occurs, young children often experience stress
>that can cause sudden behavioral changes, feelings of insecurity or
>confusion, and intense curiosity about the disaster. Depending on the
extent
>of their exposure to the disaster, some children may also experience
>regressive behavior such as bedwetting, thumb sucking and fear of sleeping
>alone. Helping children confront their stress and emotions is the best way
>to help them cope with the terror and confusion of a sudden disaster.
> Here are some tips from the American Psychological Association and
>researchers at North Carolina State University on helping young children
get
>through the anxiety and confusion after a major disaster:
>1)  Let children know that they are safe. Disastrous events can terrify
>children by erasing their sense of control and safety. One way to rebuild a
>child's confidence is by starting a conversation about safety. Asking
>children what they need in order to feel safe is a solid way to start.
>2)  Allow children to express their emotions by talking, drawing or
playing.
>Encouraging children to express their fears and concerns can give parents a
>much fuller idea of what kind of stress their children are experiencing.
>Identifying a child's fears is the first step toward conquering them.
>3) Monitor children's exposure to media reports covering the disaster.
>According to the American Psychological Association, young children and
>pre-teens are not developmentally prepared to comprehend the kind of
>information and images that are reported on broadcast news.
>4) Keep a watchful eye on your children around bedtime. Children's fears
and
>insecurities can intensify around bedtime. Keeping your children company
>until they fall asleep is a good idea if you child displays any fear.
>5) Don't worry if you don't have all the answers. It's okay to be honest by
>telling a child that you don't know the answer to a question. Being honest
>in this way can also help you discuss the fact that disasters are
>unpredictable and often unexplainable. Remember to watch for the emotions
>and issues this conversation brings up, and continue to reinforce your
>child's feeling of safety.
>Dealing with disaster can be a painful and frightening experience for
>children and adults alike. By helping children address their fears and by
>rebuilding their confidence, parents can help their children cope with
>disaster in a healthy and appropriate way.
>

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