Images of children and adults injured in the Haiti earthquake are plentiful in the news right now.
Even if parents are keeping the television off, as is recommended by many experts, children are bound to be exposed to the events in Haiti through TVs elsewhere, newspapers or even reports on the radio.
So, how do you talk to children about this tragedy, or others? What questions do you answer and with what degree of specificity?
PBS has developed an age-specific guide on discussing tragic situations with children.
In addition to giving tips on how you might discuss tragic events, the guide also provides “stress signs” that you can look for in kids that indicate they may be suffering as a result of the situation.
The National Child Traumatic Stress Network also provides tips on dealing with children and natural disasters whether you are school personnel or parents.
Illinois Education Association is an association of more than 130,000 members composed of Illinois elementary and secondary teachers, higher education faculty and staff, educational support professionals, retired educators and college students preparing to become teachers.
Comments