Posted September 2001

Press release posted Pittsburgh, September 12, 2001

As we try to cope with the most devastating terrorist attack in United States history, our children’s emotional well-being is of particular concern. Mary Margaret Kerr, Ed.D., associate professor of child psychiatry and education at the University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, provides the following information on common stress reactions we may expect from our children over the coming days and how we can help them cope with their feelings.

"Whether a child was exposed to this tragedy directly, or was a second-hand witness via the media, they are likely to show one or more signs of stress," said Dr. Kerr. "These reactions are normal for young people under stress. The good news is that these reactions will usually diminish with time."

Dr. Kerr, director of STAR-Center’s Outreach Services at the University of Pittsburgh Medical Center, has led crisis response teams for such events as the TWA 800 crash, USAir 427 crash, school shootings, and suicides. STAR-Center, funded by the state of Pennsylvania, provides on-call consultation and training services to agencies and schools across the Commonwealth. Consultation coverage is available around the clock at 412-624-0725.

• Absentmindedness, trouble concentrating; preoccupation with the events



• Feeling vulnerable, fearful, or worried



• Nightmares and difficulty with sleep



• Concerns about parents’ safety, wanting parents nearby



• Irritability; moodiness



• Withdrawal from typical activities, pastimes, and friends



• Immature behaviors; returning to outgrown behaviors



• Physical complaints such as headaches, stomach aches



• Changes in eating habits



• Renewed fears of darkness, being alone, strangers, "bad guys"



• Risk-taking behaviors (driving carelessly, drinking and using other drugs to calm down)



• Thoughts about death and dying

• Provide reassurance that your child is safe and is being protected at school and at home.



• Limit your child’s exposure to media coverage of the events, especially visual images, as these are difficult to forget.



• Avoid adult conversations about the events when children are present.



• Listen to your child. Set aside private time to be together, so that you can "read" your child’s reactions. This is especially important for young children at bedtime.



• Listen for your child’s perception of the events and correct misconceptions; answer questions clearly and honestly without unnecessary details that may overwhelm or confuse your child.



• Help your child identify stress reactions. "Normalize" these reactions by telling your child that this a natural way to react to such a catastrophe.



• Review with your child how to reach you when you are at work. Identify other caring adults whom your child can contact.



• Be more tolerant of unusual behavior (e.g., absentmindedness, irritability), but do not abandon normal family and school routines.



• Remember that children react to stress in different ways. If your child has experienced recent loss, trauma, or psychological concerns, you may want to check with your family physician or school for more help.