Suggestions for Parents
in Dealing with
Children During Times of War

• Limit exposure to TV and other print media with graphic images. This is especially important for younger children, for whom the violence in the media can be particularly frightening.
   
• Offer reassurance and help your children feel secure. When children are exposed to violent or traumatic events, they need to hear that "scary" things are not likely to happen to them. Let them know that school is a safe place to be. The adults at school care about them and know what to do to keep school safe.
   
• Maintain your normal routine. Structure and familiarity reassure children.
   
• Be a role model. Children pick up clues from adults, especially when they have difficulty knowing what to do with their own emotions like fear and anger. Staying calm yourself can provide a great sense of security for your children. Make sure comments or actions model how you would like your children to behave.
   
• Be careful what is said in front of your children with other adults.
   
• Acknowledge and validate children's thoughts, feelings, and reactions. Let them know that you think their questions and concerns are important and appropriate. Instead of saying, "Don't feel sad," you might say, "It seems like you feel sad. I feel that way, too." Reassure children that what is happening is scary and confusing and validate your children's many feelings.
   
• Monitor for physical symptoms including headaches and stomachaches. Many children express anxiety through physical aches and pains. An increase in such symptoms without medical cause may be a sign that a child is feeling anxious and overwhelmed. (Symptoms)

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