by Suzanne Provencher, Publisher
Publisher’s Note: The core content for this issue was written before the Boston Marathon bombings and the week of terror that followed. Our prayers go out to the victims, their families and to all who were impacted by and who witnessed this horror. Our sincere thanks go out to the first responders, law enforcement, the medical community, helpful citizens, our leaders and the many heroes who emerged in real life during this unimaginable time in our lives. And while this was not a movie and actually unfolded before our eyes in live time, our hope is that we have learned many things from this tragic incident and that we will be moved by it in positive ways. Whether you helped raise funds or awareness – if you helped to keep your family and community safe – if you tried to explain the horror to a child – you, too, are a hero. Stay safe. Stay strong.
As I sit here to write my column for this issue, I am watching police officer Sean Collier’s public funeral service at MIT on TV. I still cannot believe all that has happened over the past week and a half. And I have never been more proud of our city. Martin Richard’s father went to my high school, Salem High. Sean Collier, the slain police officer, graduated from Salem State University. As a college student, I lived on Beacon Street and worked on Boylston Street. In more recent years, I returned to work on Boylston Street. I have watched the Marathon from the finish line many times. I was in Boston last Thursday night as the rest of this tragedy began to unfold. And while I felt safe with so much police presence in the city – it was not until I returned home that I learned what was beginning to unfold less than a mile away and across the river. When I got home and turned on the news, I remained transfixed until 4 a.m. – and I could not believe what was happening to our city and the surrounding areas. I watched as Boylston Street was returned to the city of Boston last night. And I prayed that we could somehow, some way – start to return to “normal”.
The bulk of the core editorial of this issue was written before the Boston Marathon bombings. I felt that my contribution must include something positive – something helpful to start to deal with the tragedies and terror we all witnessed these past 10 days.
I am not an expert; I am a compassionate person who likes to help. So I contacted the National Association of School Psychologists because I found a very helpful document on their website that I wanted to share with all of you. My hope is that this information will help you, your children and your family to address and cope with the many questions and fears that have arisen because of what has happened in and around Boston these past 10 days. As parents, it is often difficult to come up with the right answers – and I truly hope this helps you and your family begin this necessary and natural conversation on the road to healing.
Helping Children Cope With Terrorism
Tips for Families and Educators
Acts of violence that hurt innocent people are frightening and upsetting. Children and youth will look to adults for information and guidance on how to react. Parents and school personnel can help children cope first and foremost by establishing a sense of safety and security. As horrible as these events are, children need to know that acts of terrorism are extremely rare in the United States. As information becomes available, adults can continue to help children work through their emotions and help them to learn how to cope with other life challenges.
All Adults Should:
- Model calm and control. Children take their emotional cues from the significant adults in their lives. Avoid appearing unnecessarily anxious or frightened.
- Reassure children that they are safe and (if true) so are the important adults and other loved ones in their lives. Depending on the situation, point out factors that help ensure their immediate safety and that of their community.
- Remind them that trustworthy people are in charge. Explain that emergency workers, police, firefighters, doctors, and the government are helping people who are hurt and are working to ensure that no further tragedies like this occur.
- Let children know that it is okay to feel upset. Explain that all feelings are okay when a tragedy like this occurs. While you do not want to force children to do so, let children talk about their feelings and help put them into perspective. Even anger is okay, but children may need help and patience from adults to assist them in expressing these feelings appropriately.
- Tell children the truth. Don’t try to pretend the event has not occurred or that it is not serious. Children are smart. They will be more worried if they think you are too afraid to tell them what is happening. At the same time, however, don’t offer unasked for details. Let children’s questions be your guide.
- Stick to the facts. Don’t embellish or speculate about what has happened and who might be responsible. Don’t dwell on the scale or scope of the tragedy, particularly with young children.
- Be careful not to stereotype people that might be associated with the violence. Children can easily generalize negative statements and develop prejudice. Talk about tolerance and justice versus vengeance. Stop any bullying or teasing immediately.
- Keep your explanations developmentally appropriate. Early elementary school children need brief, simple information that should be balanced with reassurances that the daily structures of their lives will not change. Upper elementary and early middle school children may be more vocal in asking questions about whether they truly are safe. They may need assistance separating reality from fantasy. Upper middle school and high school students may have strong and varying opinions about the causes of violence and threats to safety in schools and society. They may share concrete suggestions about how to make
school safer and how to prevent tragedies in society. They will be more committed to doing something to help the victims and affected community. For all children, encourage (but don’t force) them to verbalize their thoughts and feelings. Be a good listener! - Maintain a “normal” routine. To the extent possible stick to normal classroom or family routines but don’t be inflexible. Some children may have a hard time concentrating on schoolwork or falling asleep at night.
- Monitor or restrict viewing scenes of the event as well as the aftermath. This should include viewing scenes of the event by social media. For older children, caution against accessing news coverage from only one source.
- Observe children’s emotional state. Depending on their age, children may not express their concerns verbally. Changes in behavior, appetite, and sleep patterns can also indicate a child’s level of grief, anxiety or discomfort. Children will express their emotions differently. There is no right or wrong way to feel or express fear or grief.
- Be aware of children at greater risk. Children who were physically close to or knew someone affected by this particular event, have had a past traumatic experience or personal loss, suffer from depression or other mental illness, or with special needs may be at greater risk for severe reactions than others. Be observant for those who may be at risk of suicide. Seek the help of a mental health professional if you are at all concerned.
- Provide an outlet for students’ desire to help. Consider making get well cards or sending letters to the families and survivors of the tragedy, or writing thank you letters to doctors, nurses, and other health care professionals as well as emergency rescue workers, firefighters and police.
- Keep lines of communication open between home and school. Schools are a good place for children to experience a sense of
normalcy. Being with their friends and teachers is helpful. Schools should inform families about available resources, such as talking points or counseling, and plans for information sharing and discussions with students. Parents should let their child’s teacher or school mental health professional know if they have concerns or feel their child may need extra support. - Monitor your own stress level. Don’t ignore your own feelings of anxiety, grief, and anger. Talking to friends, family members, religious leaders, and mental health counselors can help. It is okay to let your children know that you are sad, upset, or anxious; but that you believe things will get better. You will be better able to support your children if you can express your own emotions in a productive manner. Get appropriate sleep, nutrition, and exercise.
Reprinted with permission from NASP.
© 2013, National Association of School Psychologists, 4340 East West Highway,
Suite 402, Bethesda, MD 20814, (301) 657-0270, Fax (301) 657-0275;
www.nasponline.org
