Tips
for Parents with Children Who See Difficult Images on Television
Children can
be fearful of the world around them. That’s why some young
children may be disturbed by graphic images of injured people in
photographs or on television. It’s best when parents or other
supportive adults are present when children are watching TV; even
older children can be bothered by strong images and also may need
limits on their television viewing. As families watch TV together,
parents should listen carefully to their children and answer questions
honestly.
Tragedies that are viewed on television affect everyone -- old and
young alike. Children need to share their frustration, fears and
disbelief. They need to talk out their fears with others. Talking
with family members can help. After viewing something which may
frighten them, it is important for parents to understand what children
may be feeling.
- Children
may worry about their own safety or the safety of loved ones.
- Children
may worry that the event could happen to them or someone they
love.
- Children
may worry that they could be separated from loved ones or left
alone.
Tips
for Helping Children Cope
Remember
to consider the developmental level and age of your child.
Children view things differently than adults, and they have different
perceptions based on their ages and levels of maturity. Especially
when speaking with younger children, remember to emphasize that
they are safe and cared for. Be sure to include facts in a simple
way, (e.g., "The car she was riding in caught fire and she
couldn’t get out."). Couch these facts in as warm and
supportive a framework as you can, for instance with reassurances
that you are going to be there for them. With older children, it
is appropriate to give more information.
Invite questions.
Even if your children seem to understand what happened, remind
them that they can ask you questions any time. Many times, children
take
some time to process tragic events and will not ask about them
until later. Remind them that questions are okay.
Tell the truth.
Children are most fearful when they do not understand what is happening
around them. Be honest with children about what occurred and provide
facts about what happened. Children usually know when something
is being sugarcoated. Acknowledge that the car crash that caused
the young woman in the commercial to be disfigured was a terrible,
senseless act of violence.
Reassure your children.
Allow children to express their feelings about what happened and
share your feelings with them. Try to help children put their feelings
into words.
Reassure children that they are safe and that they are loved. Let
them know that you will do your best to protect them and keep
them
safe. Remind children that most people are good and kind and would
never harm children or other adults.
Feelings are ok.
Accept that you may not be able to “fix” how they feel.
It is important to remember that sometimes the best thing to do
is let them play out their feelings and let them cry if they need
to. Younger children, in particular, may be more clingy. Remember
the importance of touch. A hug can reassure children that they are
loved.
Tips
for Parents on How to Talk to Children About Alcohol
One of the
ways to influence children not to use alcohol is to teach them
how
to avoid riding with someone who is not alcohol free and what to
do if they ever find themselves riding with someone who is not
safe
to drive. These messages not only save children's lives, but also
are powerful messages that affect their future decisions about
not using alcohol themselves.
The five rules that children should always use if they ever find
themselves in a car with a driver who is not alcohol free to make
the trip safer are:
- Sit in
the back.
- Buckle
up tight.
- Put everything
on the floor.
- Don't
bother the driver. Be quiet.
- Tell
a trusted grown-up immediately about any unsafe ride.
Parents need to talk to children about what they want them to do
if they find themselves in a situation with an unsafe driver. Parents
can go to www.madd.org and download the "Five Rules" poster
to use when having this discussion with their child and can then
place the poster on their home refrigerator. This empowers the child,
reduces the child's fears and promotes safe choices.
Sources:
Mothers
Against Drunk Driving - www.madd.org
Austin Child Guidance Center – www.austinchildguidance.org
To view a PDF document of this page, click here: Talk to Your Kids |
