Dear Friends:

The Activity Book for African American Families was developed by the National Black Child Development Institute (NBCDI) and the National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD), in collaboration with other organizations serving the African American community. The tragic events of September 11, 2001, demonstrated the ongoing need to provide materials for parents to help their children cope with extraordinary crises, such as a terrorist attack. These crises receive extensive media coverage, and while adults may understand what they see and hear and can place things in context, children often cannot. Helping families face everyday hardships, such as crime and poverty, can also enhance the strength and togetherness that is necessary during times of major crisis.

We brought together leaders of national African American organizations as well as health professionals to identify information and strategies that would be meaningful to families coping with crisis. We also consulted parents about their concerns and received input on tools they would find useful. We have been impressed by the responses that affirmed the need for this Activity Book.

This collaboration arises from a commitment to share the best knowledge that we have with the American people. It represents the kind of public-private partnership that uses the strengths of all partners to improve the lives of our children. We would like to express our appreciation to the many people who contributed to this effort.

We also thank you for joining this partnership. We believe that your connections to the children in your life will be enriched by the activities in this book.

Sincerely,

Table of Contents

Introduction: Helping Children Cope with Crisis
        Why do I need this activity book?
        What are the ways I can help my child cope with crisis?
        What kinds of activities are included in the booklet?

How do I use this book?
        How do I do these activities?
        What is involved in each activity?
        Are these activities right for my child?
        Is my child too old or too young for these activities?
        What should I do during the activities?

Inspire Hope in Your Child.
        Activity 1: Hope*
        Activity 2: My vision for the future

Be Still and Listen to Your Child.
        Activity 1: All I need is love*
        Activity 2: Feelings

Support, Comfort, and Love Your Child.
        Activity 1: It takes a village*
        Activity 2: Family treasure box
        Activity 3: All about me

Give Your Child Information that is Age-Appropriate.
        Activity 1: I’m just a kid*
        Activity 2: A picture is worth a thousand words
        Activity 3: What do my parents think?

Help Your Child Feel Safe.
        Activity 1: Celebration*
        Activity 2: Ties that bind

Make a Plan with Your Child for Emergencies.
        Activity 1: Never give up*
        Activity 2: Safety plan

Help Your Child Feel Good about Himself.
        Activity 1: That’s me*
        Activity 2: Beautiful me!
        Activity 3: Tell me something good
        Activity 4: Image building

Pay Attention to What Your Child Watches on TV.
        Activity 1: Just being you is the right thing*
        Activity 2: What’s wrong with this picture?

Share Your Faith with Your Child.
        Activity 1: This little light of mine*
        Activity 2: I say a little prayer for you
        Activity 3: Felt wall hanging

Just for Parents

_________________
*The first activity in each section is most likely to work well with the youngest children. If children find the poem is too long or confusing, the parent may skip reading the poem aloud.

National Institute of Child Health and Human Development (NICHD)         NIH Pub. No. 03-5362B September 2003

In collaboration with the Academy for Educational Development

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