Strategies for talking to kids about 9/11

With the relentless stream of social media, television shows, articles, school and community events focused on the upcoming 10th anniversary of 9/11, parents may wonder how to best discuss these observances with their children and teenagers.

"Families need to recognize what will be a fairly substantial presence in all areas of media," said Dr. Steven Krug, chair of the American Academy of Pediatrics' Disaster Preparedness Advisory Council. "This will occur in the workplace and schools. You can begin to develop a plan to address these issues. Even the youngest children may hear a discussion they misunderstand in school."

Given that many adults will themselves be upset by the remembrances about 9/11(and that children are perceptive, and will pick up on their parents' distress) it's important for parents to have these conversations with their children. This 9/11 anniversary offers "an opportunity to talk to children about loss and grief," said Dr. Krug.

Children may also wonder "‘Could this happen to me?'", added Dr. Krug. He recommended that parents ask, "‘What do you hear about this?'"

If your child's school is planning some kind of observance for 9/11, don't hesitate to contact the teacher or principal to find out exactly what will happen in school, so that you're able to "fill in the gaps and offer a consistent message," said Dr. Krug.

Children crave reassurance, he added, so anything parents can do to demonstrate that children are safe would be a good approach to reduce any anxiety related to 9/11 observance. Dr. Krug also recommended that families watch 9/11 anniversary events together, to be able to "talk to kids about what's happening."

September is National Preparedness Month, which offers another opportunity to discuss the events of 9/11 with your family from a different perspective. Some strategies include practicing fire drills with your children and updating your family's personal disaster kit and disaster plan, to give your children a "degree of empowerment," said Dr. Krug.

You can read more from the AAP about Children and Disasters and you can download a Family Readiness Kit. In addition, the AAP has prepared Youtube videos about preparting for disasters and how to help your children cope with a disaster should one occur, including Disaster Preparation Basics, Mental Health After Disasters, and Media and Disasters.

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—Merri Rosenberg