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Kids Still Struggling with Sept. 11?

© Rebecca J. Gayton

The effects of September 11 still haunt daily life. I'm finding my children are asking more questions now than they did a month ago. The conversation though seems to be a side step dance around the issue almost as if they are afraid to ask a question head on.

I remember Oprah did a show on talking to boys following the Columbine School tragedy. During this show she interview a doctor (I wish I could remember his name!) who suggested when boys are faced with specific questions they will tend to shut down a bit and put on the "There's nothing going on" face. The solution he offered was to engage the child in an enjoyable activity, then initiate conversation relating to the subject you wish to discuss. I have heard parents say their best conversations with their children happen in car rides when there isn't a lot of direct eye contact and conversation is less threatening. I suggest the "enjoyable activity" be a simple as a craft or activity at your kitchen table. The following article offers advice on talking to your children, and how to get them to open up when confronting difficult issues. In addition, they break the information up based on different age categories. http://kidshealth.org/parent/positive/ta...

When looking for a place to start, I used these letters form Mrs. Bush to the school children of the country. They offer a gentle description of the events and a reassuring tone. The fact they were written by the President's wife seems to really mean something to my kids as well. http://www.msnbc.com/news/628451.asp

The following sites offer numerous patriotic crafts to make, display, wear and plain just have fun (which is what our children should be doing, after all!) Doing crafts with a patriotic flair seems to get the conversation going, the questions about the "bad people" who hurt so many people in New York, Washington DC and Pennsylvania, and questions about the war in Afghanistan and is it nearby, seem to flow with each red, white and blue bead, marker, or crayon added.

I wear this pin daily and am constantly being complemented on it: http://www.kidsdomain.com/craft/bd-usfla... - Bead flag craft

Coloring pages for the littler group... http://www.kidsdomain.com/holiday/july4/... - coloring pages

This site offers activities, ideas for journals as well as crafts for children of all ages. http://abcteach.com/USA/usatoc.htm

Wear your patriotism for all to see! http://craftsforkids.about.com/library/w... - wearable support

My wish for all is a rapid recovery and a safe and healthy future!

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