For immediate release
September 12, 2001
HPEDSB offers parent tips to support children dealing
with attacks in the US
In the wake of yesterday's
events in the United States, students, parents, and staff throughout the
Hastings and Prince Edward District School Board are asking many questions.
As educators, schools have a role to play in supporting children who are
dealing with sensitive issues and who wish to find approaches to express
their fears and anxieties.
All schools within the Hastings
and Prince Edward District School Board will remain open and operate normally
and the Tragic Events Team of Child and Youth Counsellors have put together
some suggestions to assist parents in dealing with this issue at home with
their children.
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Notice when your child has questions and wants to talk.
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Listen to your child's feelings and accept them, even if they are different
from yours.
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Give honest, simple, brief answers to your child's questions.
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Make sure that your child understands your answers and the meaning that
you intend.
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Use words or phrases that won't confuse your child or make the world more
frightening (eg., associating the concept of punishment with a disastrous
event may cause a child to feel personally threatened).
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Create opportunities for your children to talk with each other about what
happened and how they are feeling.
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Keep family routines of meals, activities and bedtimes as close to normal
as possible.
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Share your own feelings, but in a reassuring way. For example, "I
feel really upset too, but it's important for you to know that you're safe
at home and at school."
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Your child will pick up on your anxiety, so think carefully about any discussions
you have in front of your child about this incident. Emphasize that this
incident is extremely rare and happened far away.
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Limit your child's exposure to television, especially news coverage.
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Be especially loving and supportive; more than anyone else, your
child needs you at this time.
Parents are also encouraged
to ask for help. Parents should speak to their child's Principal or Teacher
about accessing additional support from the Board's Child and Youth Counsellors.
"Our thoughts are with all
of those who have suffered a loss," said Larry Langdon, Director of Education.
"As a show of respect, we are encouraging all schools to join in a moment
of silence during their opening exercises on Thursday, September 13, 2001."
For information contact:
Larry Langdon, Director of Education, 966-1170 ext. 2257