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Caring for Kids After Trauma and Death: A Guide for Parents and Professionals (PDF)
By Robin F Goodman
2002

Summary: This guide presents information for parents and professionals on how to help children and adults deal with trauma and death. A range of issues are examined: the need for prevention, attention to critical needs in the midst of a crisis, and research-based intervention over a long period of time. After a trauma, adults and children alike may go through periods of shock; have physical complaints; and be angry, sad, and scared. Especially in times of stress, children’s reactions are influenced by the adults around them. Children need adults to be available, open, and honest; to provide them with a sense of normalcy and routine; to limit their exposure to news events; and to monitor their reactions over time. Guidelines are outlined for schools, mental health professionals, and parents to help children following a traumatic event. An age guide is presented concerning how children react to trauma and death, what they know, and what to say and do to help them. The guide is broken down by the following age groups: infants and toddlers, preschoolers and young children, early school-age children, middle school-age children, and early teens and adolescents. Bereavement coping tasks are listed for adults and children. Facts about posttraumatic stress disorder, anxiety, and depression in children are presented. Tips are offered on how to select a mental health professional. Special topics include: talking to children about terrorism or acts of war, preventing anger from leading to bias and hate, anniversary reactions, coping with holidays and special occasions, and involving grandparents when a parent dies. Some information is presented in Spanish. Appendices include: references and books for children, teens, parents, and professionals concerning bereavement; trauma and posttraumatic stress disorder; anxiety disorder; depression; and war, terrorism, and violence. A list of resources is provided.

Index Terms: Death, Injuries, Mental Health, Terrorism, Violence, Child Abuse, Child Welfare, Children With Special Needs, Counseling, Parent Role, Psychological Services, Schools, Stress, Teachers

Publisher: The Institute for Trauma and Stress at The NYU Child Study Center

Publication Type: Information Analyses, Training Materials

Pages: 57 pages
Language: English
URL: http://www.aboutourkids.org/aboutour/articles/crisis_guide02.pdf

Availability
The Institute for Trauma and Stress at The NYU Child Study Center
577 First Avenue
New York, New York 10016
212-263-6622
catherine.collier@med.nyu.edu
http://www.AboutOurKids.org

 
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