October 24, 2002

Adults Can Support Children Dealing with Stress Related to Sniper Attacks

The media coverage is intense. Schools are limiting activities. Police are stopping vehicles and making televised appeals. These and other realities related to the current series of sniper attacks on the nation’s eastern seaboard are unsettling, especially for children according to Sean Brotherson, extension family science specialist at North Dakota State University.

"Children ask questions and respond emotionally to the reactions of adults to these events," Brotherson says. "They see adults absorbed in the news coverage. They listen to parents or teachers discussing persons they know who reside in the east. They see images on television or in the newspaper headlines. Children want to know what is happening, express concern and anxiety, and wonder why it is happening at all."

Parents and other adults are critical in helping children deal with the stress of such events in at least four ways Brotherson says. They provide an example for children, create a positive environment, act as a resource in helping children to cope and give guidance and support in managing emotions.

First, as adults, the example you set for your children is important in their understanding of how to handle concern about the sniper attacks or any other challenge, he says. Children look to parents or other adults for insight into how to respond to difficult circumstances. Set a positive example for the children in your life. Avoid responding to current news updates in ways that are highly emotional or overly dramatic. Such reactions may upset children. Be informed but don’t dwell at length on the latest events. Children will be more comfortable with their concerns if they see responses that are emotionally balanced.

Second, creating a positive environment for children during highly stressful events is important, Brotherson notes. Maintain a sense of security in your own home and environment. It reassures children that they can continue to feel secure. Continue a healthy routine at home. Avoid letting the news coverage of current events in the sniper case be on television or radio constantly in the background. This creates tension and may overwhelm a child’s sense of security. Let children know that despite such events, the patterns of your life will continue in ways that they are familiar with and can depend on.

Third, Brotherson says adults should be a resource for helping children cope as needed. Express your concern for people living in the region, but reassure children that they themselves are protected and safe.

Answer your children’s questions directly but give them information that is appropriate to their age and maturity level. Listen to them if they want to express concerns.

Finally, help your children to manage the fear or uncertainty that they might feel or express, he says. Parents and other adults need to be attentive to children’s needs in helping them to overcome fears or maintain a sense of trust and security. The best protection for a child in times of emotional chaos is the loving arms of a mother, father, or loving adult they trust.

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Source: Sean Brotherson, (701) 231-6143 , sbrother@ndsuext.nodak.edu
Editor: Rich Mattern, (701) 231-6136, richard.mattern@ndsu.nodak.edu