War & the Chronic Worry in Children - How Parents & Teachers Should Communicate

With growing tensions worldwide, children all over the world are experiencing anxiety and depression as never before. For many children, this anxiety and worry is often attributed to their fear about the future for themselves and their families.

Of particular concern are those children who experience the trauma of losing a loved one to a war event. For many children, this sudden loss, beyond their control, creates a whole new dimension and fear in their daily struggle to cope with the loss.

For many children, overcoming the fear and anguish associated with war and terrorism, lies, primarily, in their ability to understand what they can control in their lives and then to focus on their goals and priorities within that control. Speaking openly and frankly with children, while remaining focused on things they can control, will not only boost a child's self-confidence but also enforce diligence as our children work to grow into healthy adults.

When the loss of a loved one occurs, parents must also work to reduce their own anxiety, especially in the presence of children. Because anxious displays of emotion are often mimicked by what children see in their parents, it is the parents who must set the example in how we respond to terrorism attacks and the effects of war.

In the classroom setting, many teachers and educators have utilized the war and terrorism to create conversations about world events. Often, even in children who have not suffered the loss of a loved one, these simple discussions can lead to anxiety and depression. For this reason, when your child begins school, be sure to discuss your concerns with the educators and teachers who will interact with your child on a daily basis. This is especially important to children who have lost a loved one as you would, ultimately, want to make the educational setting one in which stress and worry are not part of the daily academic lesson.

While we do not want to overprotect our children, it is important to make smart decisions about what exposure to war and terrorism we would like them to have. Limiting television shows, even documentaries, may be important especially in the child who is showing a greater tendency toward anxiety. Also, if your child is old enough, discuss the concept of anxiety, including symptoms and treatment, and encourage your child to communicate their emotions with you.

While we can not protect our children from every traumatic event, we can limit their exposure to those events and, when faced with a personal trauma, provide the love and support they need to avert complications such as anxiety and depression. Becoming involved in open discussions with our children, teaching them to focus on issues they can control, and then eliciting the assistance of school educators and teachers, will provide for a better grasp on the effect war and terrorism has on this young population.