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Children Making a Difference
by Susan E. Davis
reviewed by Robert Needlman, M.D., F.A.A.P.
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Since the terrorist attacks on the East Coast, parents across the country have been agonizing about how to help their children comprehend and deal with the magnitude of this disaster. But one thing we parents often forget is that most children have excellent coping mechanisms--including the intrinsic human urge to help those who are suffering.
Indeed, all across America, even small children have been aiding the relief efforts in a very big way. From setting up lemonade stands to manning ham radio stations, from collecting coins to bringing cookies to local fire departments, children have been using their hearts and their minds to try to lessen the pain of the victims and their families, acknowledge the efforts of rescue workers, and tell the world that children truly care about what's happening. Some of these efforts may seem quaint, while others are stunning in their scope. But even the smallest gestures provided a measure of solace and strength to people touched by the disaster.
We've gathered a few of these stories to show just how big children's hearts can be--and also to give you inspiration about contributions your own children might be able to make, either during this crisis or after any other kind of future disaster. Allowing your children to contribute in whatever way they can teaches them two vital life lessons: that every person can make a difference and good deeds that help heal the hurt caused by others' wrongdoing.
Read the stories:
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Created September 27, 2001
Reviewed September 28, 2001
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