Easing Fears

Listen, watch, listen. Children vary widely in their concerns, depending on their age and exposure to the crisis. Find out exactly what they are frightened about. Avoid sparking fears that are not there. Do not bring the economic crisis and related events to their attention unless there are signs that they are worried or have questions. Encourage them to share questions. Young children are stressed by changes in daily routine, lack of physical comfort, or anything that seems to be upsetting mommy or daddy, though they often cannot verbalize the actual fear. Watch their actions for signs of stress. Elementary aged children may have partial understanding of details and concepts but not enough to handle them rationally. For example, they may hear media stories about foreclosures and fear that they will “lose their home,” though they do not know what that might look like. Since basic economic understanding is difficult for children, news stories can be especially frightening. Gifted children may worry well beyond their years because of heightened world awareness and a profound sense of “fairness.” Teens may have very personal concerns: a friend moving away, loss of college funds, concerns about peer judgments.

NASP explains, “Most school age children and adolescents can discuss their concerns although they may need you to provide an "opening" to start a conversation. Don't push, but ask what they think about current events. Even if they don't want or need to talk now, they may later. They will know you care what they think and feel, and are available to answer their questions.”

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