Since the Sept. 11 attacks, my 12-year old son has been increasingly perseverating on the news and he does not want to be left alone. I’m very sure he’s becoming anxious about all of the current events. My wife and I are now avoiding the ‘tube’ and we’re only leaving out the sports page in the morning (no front page pictures for him).Has anyone else been noticing this subtle effect on their child, and what are you doing about it?
Re: Osama & Nerves
If my son were that upset I would be getting professional help immediately. Even adults right now are experiencing depression over the current events.
Good luck.
Re: Osama & Nerves
We are overseas, our lives are completely different than before 9/11, as we have soldiers everywhere with guns at the ready, blocked off roads, and our car is inspected every time we go on a military installation. It makes going to the grocery store an adventure. I make a point of saying thank you to all those folks doing the job. I have talked to my kids, one seems ok, the other wants to go back to the states. However, I think the visible security helps some. Occasionally though I find the youngest sleeping on the floor of my bedroom when I wake up. We must just be vigilant with our kids and watch out for signs of trouble. I agree with keeping the news at a minimum, even for yourselves.
We’ve eliminated TV news from our house altogether while the kids are awake. My son doesn’t seem too anxious now. But, he has come home with questions from school about WWIII and bombing and terrorists. Find out how the teachers and counselor are handling the discussions about the crisis at school. I don’t know how you can stop or monitor stories that other kids tell at school. My son’s teacher cried in class about it one day. Although, I can’t blame her. I cried everyday at home for the first 2 weeks. I am careful not to let my children see my tears or talk about fears. Kids look to the adults around them for reassurance and protection. I repeatably tell all three of my children that it is Mom and Dad’s JOB to keep them safe. The “war” is on the other side of the globe, far from our home and neighborhood. Our soldiers are going to catch the “bad guys” and our policemen, firemen, teachers, and moms and dads are protecting children here.
There were bomb threats at the elementary school near our house and the high school one block away on Sept. 11th too. Can you beleive some nut calling in a bomb threat to a elementary school? Shameless…. I have had to explain to my kids about pranks, hoaxes and copy cat crimes. Even though my son is 10, I am not elaborating on any details of the crisis with him. I ask him first, what he has heard, and what questions he has for me. So far, I haven’t had to explain bioterrorism yet. Who thought we would ever need too? What a shame.
I’d let your son’s teacher know that you have concerns. He/she can listen up to see if other kids in class are sharing details that they see on TV.