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War is one of the most horrifying events that anyone can go through. To a child who is not aware of the realities of war, the effects can be traumatic.
This page contains resources that can help you communicate with a child traumatized by war. We've included signs and symptoms that can signify a traumatized child, methods that can help you deal with a traumatized child and service providers who can offer extra help to children during this difficult time.
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War |
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War is very difficult to explain to children. The thought of war is frightening to adults and even in the best of conditions; the outcomes of war are unpredictable. Complicating this situation is the fact that our traditional notions of war have been challenged by the "new war" on terrorism where the "enemy" is not someone from another nation but individuals who harbor different beliefs and may be anyone. War involves losses for everyone, and is by definition an act of violence.
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Signs & Symptoms |
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| More Signs & Symptoms |
- Signs of stress
- Aggressive, oppositional behaviors are normal reactions to the uncertainty of this situation
- Children may play "war," pretend to blow things up, or include images of violence in artwork and writing
- Fear, anger, attempting to isolate themselves from others
- Difficulty sleeping and nightmares
- School anxiety and separation anxiety from parents
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Dos & Don'ts |
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| Dos |
Don'ts |
- Create an open and supportive environment where children know they can ask questions
- Give children honest answers and information and be prepared to repeat information and explanations several times
- Help children find ways to express themselves
- Avoid stereotyping groups of people by country or religion
- Acknowledge and validate the child's thoughts, feelings and reactions
- Let children know how you're feeling and that it is okay to be concerned
- Be reassuring, but don't make unrealistic promises
- Let your children be children and help give them a sense of stability through a predictable routine and schedule
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- Force children to talk about things until they're ready
- Let children watch TV unsupervised or expose them to violent or upsetting images
- Use words and concepts children can understand
- Confront your child with burdensome information or more information than they desire or seek.
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