Talking to the children

[Barbara Braxton <barbara@AUSTARMETRO.COM.AU>]

May I share with you a post that I have not seen come through LM_NET but was
posted on OZTL_NET by a most respected member of the Australian education
community.... it may offer some guidance about how to talk to your own
children and those in your care during the school day.

At about 11.00pm AEST (when the first attack happened) it started to rain in
Canberra and along much of the eastern seaboard after a picture-perfect
spring day.  It has not stopped.  Even the clouds are crying.

You all remain in our thoughts.
Barbara

>-----Original Message-----
>    [Please forward]
>
>    Today's events will certainly be in news for quite some time, and many
>of our lives may be disrupted in different ways for a long time.  As many
>of us watch the news and talk to others about the days events, our
>children will certainly notice that something is going on.
>
>Parents may want to talk with older children about the days events and
>what it might mean, but young children (under the age of 7 or 8) may be
>disturbed by witnessing scenes of destruction on television or by
>listening in on adult conversations.  It may not be unusual if some young
>children react by being more clinging, seeming a bit more concerned, or
>having difficulty at bedtime.
>
>    Although it might be important to allow older children to participate
>in viewing and talking about the news, it might be wise to limit young
>children's exposure to TV news.
>
>    It is important that young children be reassured about their own
>safety and the safety of their parents and loved ones. Subtle changes in
>parent's moods and behaviors can have an affect on children especially if
>they witness reactions in their parents that they have not seen before.
>
>    Be prepared to spend extra time with children if necessary, and
>continue normal routines and activities.
>
>    Use the opportunity to explain how and why people are reacting the way
>they are.
>
>    In the days that come, we may be witness to preparations for
>retaliation (or at least threats of retaliation).  Certain groups of
>people may be identified as terrorists. It will be a challenge for all of
>us to remind ourselves and our children that we value peace.
>
>    For more information and suggestions on how to talk with your children
>about the today's events and the events in the coming days, see:
>
>    Talking to Kids About War
>    AboutOurKids.org
>    New York University Child Study Center
>
><http://www.aboutourkids.org/articles/war.html>http://www.aboutourkids.org/
a rticles/war.html
>
>    Talking About Conflict and War
>    The Learning Network
>
><http://www.familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,20-6055,00.html>http://www.f
amilyeducation.com/article/0,1120,20-6055,00.html
>
>    Talking with Children about War - Pointers for Parents
>    The Learning Network
>
><http://www.familyeducation.com/article/0,1120,1-4412,00.html>http://www.fa
milyeducation.com/article/0,1120,1-4412,00.html
>
>    Talking with Kids about the News
>    Children Now
>
><http://www.childrennow.org/television/twk-news.htm>http://www.childrennow.
org/television/twk-news.htm
>
>    =====================================================
>    Aaron T. Ebata, Ph.D.
>    Associate Professor and Extension Specialist
>    Department of Human & Community Development
>    University of Illinois Extension



Barbara Braxton
Teacher Librarian
Palmerston District Primary School
PALMERSTON ACT 2913
AUSTRALIA

T. 02 6205 7241
F. 02 6205 7242
E. barbara@austarmetro.com.au
W. http://www.palmdps.act.edu.au

=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-==-=
All postings to LM_NET are protected under copyright law.
To quit LM_NET (or set-reset NOMAIL or DIGEST, etc.) send email to:
listserv@listserv.syr.edu   In the message write EITHER:
1) SIGNOFF LM_NET 2) SET LM_NET NOMAIL or 3) SET LM_NET DIGEST
4) SET LM_NET MAIL  * Please allow for confirmation from Listserv.
For LM_NET Help see: http://ericir.syr.edu/lm_net/
Archives: http://askeric.org/Virtual/Listserv_Archives/LM_NET.shtml
 See also EL-Announce for announcements from library media vendors:
    http://www.mindspring.com/~el-announce/
=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=-=--=-=-=