Oct. 23, 2002 -- The Washington-area sniper has everyone worrie
Oct. 23, 2002 -- The Washington-area sniper has everyone worried, and ever since his message that he would target schools became public, those who may be the least prepared to deal with the threat are those most threatened -- children.
Whether you live in the direct area of the sniper or anywhere else in the country, how can you help your children -- and yourself -- get through this national trauma?
First, be aware of how you act. Psychologist Patricia Farrell, PhD, WebMD's anxiety and fear specialist and author of the book How to Be Your Own Therapist says when it comes to anxiety there is a component of "contagion."
She says it's a well-known fact in psychology that "anxiety can be spread from one person to another and we see this particularly in children who look to those in authority before they respond emotionally to a situation."
Parents and adults who are entrusted with the care of children, therefore, "have to be doubly aware of their own physical reactions to these very disturbing sniper news stories. Even if you feel somewhat rattled by it, this is the time you have to help your kids by containing your reactions to the news," Farrell says.
In addition, here are 10 things Farrell says you can do to cope with the situation:
1. Keep your life as normal as possible and continue with your daily routines. It's important to remain busy.
2. If you plan on staying close to home, plan activities that are interesting and fun. Ideas to keep the kids busy in the home can be found on the Internet where you can download puzzles, games, and interesting project ideas. "If there were ever a time that the Internet can be an invaluable help," says Farrell, "it's now. There are many sites where you can find educational or just plain fun things. You can even find games that help your children with hand-eye coordination or problem-solving skills. It's a good-from-bad situation, if you choose to see it that way."
3. Understand that anyone can regress during these times and somewhat child-like behavior may emerge.
4. If the kids or you feel better with a light on while you sleep, there's nothing wrong with this.
5. Consider limiting the amount of TV news you watch.
6. Take the opportunity to talk to each other about things that may be of concern.
7. Offer reassurance and comfort to each other.
8. Expect some increased irritability.
9. Be prepared for sudden bouts of "school phobia" where your child suddenly develops morning stomachaches or cries when it's time for school.
10. Consider developing a loosely coordinated neighborhood watch where children who may come home alone have a place to stay until a parent or some other adult returns home. "This is a good thing to do in any situation, but now it may be more important than ever that your child feel an adult is there for them," says Farrell. -->
