Dr. Laura Jana Hosts AOL Chat on Terrorist Attacks

September 06, 2008

SEARCH drSpock

my account | sign in

HOT TOPICS

		Pregnancy Symptoms
		Read with Your Kids -- It's Fun!
		Take Our Quizzes
		Play with Your Baby

TOPICS


	Parents are talking about their children. Join the discussion.

Dr. Laura Jana Hosts AOL Chat on Terrorist Attacks

by Laura Jana, M.D., F.A.A.P.

In the aftermath of the terrorist attacks in New York and Washington, D.C., AOL asked The Dr. Spock Company's Laura Jana, a pediatrician and child-safety expert, to conduct a hosted chat for parents concerned about their children's reactions to the disaster. Here is the transcript from that September 11 event.

For more information on AOL's live chats go to
America Online Keyword: AOL Live.

AOL LIVE: We are now joined by Dr. Laura Jana. She is a child expert and pediatrician.

Dr. Laura Jana: I just want to say that what has happened is a terrible tragedy.

AOL LIVE: Dr. Jana, what can parents tell their children about this horrible disaster?

Dr. Laura Jana: It will depend on the age of the child, as to what you choose to say. It is important to realize that young children do not have the ability to understand what has happened. More specifically, very young children can get a sense that something is wrong. Children a bit older may pick up specific details, like picking up the words "bombs" or "plane crash" without understanding what they mean. Parents must assure the children, with authority, that you will keep them safe--that needs to be your message.

AOL LIVE: Dr. Jana, many parents are scared of the effects of today's disaster. Do they need to hide their fear from their kids?

Dr. Laura Jana: The answer is twofold. On the one hand, parents should not hide their emotions from their children. Being honest with their children--when you're upset, angry or frustrated--is very important, because they will sense it, whether or not you tell them. On the other hand, you also want to at least keep your child's world as safe and secure as possible, despite the fact that most of the adult's sense of security has been attacked.

AOL LIVE: How do parents address the issue of war? Many are saying that is what we are headed towards.

Dr. Laura Jana: That is obviously not an easy subject to address with a child of any age, and one that very few of us have had experience with. What is best at this point is to address the issue at hand and try at this point to help your child remove himself or herself from its vicinity as best as possible.

AOL LIVE: The video and pictures from today are pretty dramatic. Should parents protect their children from the news for a few days?

Dr. Laura Jana: Without a doubt. The graphic display of today's events is hard enough for most adults to stomach, and it would be very wise to limit your child's exposure to these scenes. Children under at least the age of seven, in general, should be protected, to a large extent, from even the daily news, much less like something of what has occurred today.

AOL LIVE: Is it possible that children could suffer from post-traumatic stress from all this?

Dr. Laura Jana: It is safe to say that the effects of today will be felt by children and adults alike. Clearly, despite our best efforts, we as parents will not be able to protect our children entirely. If your child is showing signs of fear, anxiety, nightmares or other signs that today's events have affected them, be sure to seek professional help and discuss the details.

AOL LIVE: How can parents explain this story to older children? Some parents fear, if this is a terrorist attack, that kids will take a racist view against the group who is responsible.

Dr. Laura Jana: I think the best approach, when actually talking...

AOL LIVE: Delicate issue, but tough to address with teens.

Dr. Laura Jana: ...with older children about the specifics of the event, to make sure you frame the discussion carefully. Clearly, terrorism is a difficult subject to understand, much less explain. Once the child can understand the concept of right and wrong, as well as death itself, you should talk about the specifics of the attack and the potential underlying causes without [bringing] racism into the discussion.

AOL LIVE: In the unfortunate circumstance that a family has lost a family member, how can they tackle the issue of death with a young one?

Dr. Laura Jana: Talking to young children about death is very difficult, especially when a child is too young to truly understand the meaning of death. Focusing your presentation on your family member and trying to help your child remember the good in that person is the best you can do in that situation. Be aware that they may not--and in fact, are not likely to--understand the finality of death until several years into grade school.

Again, I want to emphasize that parents stand to make a great impact on how their children cope with the events of the day. While as adults, we may be all too aware that the world we live in is not as safe and secure as we thought, we still have the innate ability to offer our children some semblance of stability and security.

AOL LIVE: We would like to thank Dr. Laura Jana from The Dr. Spock Company for joining us today. Thank you so much for sharing your expert opinions.

Copyright 2001 America Online, Inc. All rights reserved.

Portions of this transcript may be edited by AOL to correct spelling, punctuation and/or remove any material that violates AOL's Terms of Service.

This transcript has been reproduced with permission from America Online, Inc.


RELATED INFORMATION

			Times of Crisis

Created September 12, 2001

| |
| | |

THIS SITE DOES NOT PROVIDE MEDICAL ADVICE. The information drSpock.com provides is for educational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional medical advice. Always seek the advice of your health care professional if you have a specific health concern. Mention or advertisement of any product, service, or brand does not constitute endorsement, guarantee, or recommendation by The Dr. Spock Company. Please read our full Terms of Service.