Morning Health Watch
By: Melanie Barnas
Updated: June 24, 2008
Talking to Children about Traumatic Events
Talking about scary or traumatic events will not increase a child’s fear. Avoiding discussion of scary feelings may be more damaging than talking about them. Be sure to consider child’s age and personality.
Tips for talking to your child:
BE AWARE OF TIME AND PLACE: Avoid external distractions. Be sure you the have time and
attention
DON”T ASSUME--ASK QUESTIONS TO UNDERSTAND MEANING
TAKE THE FIRST STEP: Adults often need to initiate the discussion. Ask the child what they
have heard or seen
LOOK FOR OPPORTUNITIES TO START THE DISCUSSION: Watch TV together; Leave
newspaper on kitchen table
FOCUS ON THE CHILD”S FEELINGS AND THOUGHTS: Avoid lecturing or teaching
LISTEN TO AND ADDRESS THE CHILD’S FEELINGS
REASSURE THE CHILD BUT DO NOT DISMISS FEELINGS
PROVIDE FACTS AND INFORMATION
MODEL OPEN DISCUSSION
PROVIDE FUTURE OPPORTUNITIES FOR DISCUSSION
Recognizing when children need help…changes or problems in the following:
-eating/appetite
-sleeping
-school work
-activity level
-mood
-relationship with family or friends
-aggressive behavior
-return to behavior of a younger child
-not achieving usual age appropriate milestones/activities
Talk to your primary health care provider. They can help you decide if further help is needed.
Remember all children 19 and younger are entitled to low or no cost health insurance through the NYS Child Health Plus Program
Timothy’s Law in NYS makes mental health services equal to specialist care, so co-pay is now the co-pay of a subspecialist (usually 20-30 dollars)
Strong Health Child and Adolescent Mental Health Clinic 279-7300
Free or low cost Mental Health Services
Spiritus Christi Mental Health Services 325-1180 ext 114
