It is natural for families with deployed parents to want news about a military action. Unfortunately, news reports and pictures can often confuse or scare children. The checklist below gives parents and caregivers ways to handle children's fears and concerns about military actions.
As a Parent or Caregiver, I:
___ Know how much news exposure my children get about military actions.
___ Make sure that the military event is not the only thing we talk about at home.
___ Keep my children from watching news before bedtime.
___ Let my children discuss what they see or hear about the military action.
___ Tell my children that they are safe in our home.
___ Tell them that their deployed parent is doing everything to stay safe.
___ Remind them of the many adults (friends, teachers, child care providers, other relatives) who can help take care of them and keep them safe.
___ Keep my children close to me so they feel safe.
When the Television or Radio is on, I:
___ Watch or listen to the news with my children.
___ Talk with my children about what we see or hear.
___ Help my children identify the "helpers" in the situation, so they can see the people who care for others.
When my Children Seem Scared or Upset by the News, I:
___ Make sure that the programs they watch are age-appropriate.
___ Give them extra attention, hugs, and comfort items.
___ Help them share their feelings through talking, drawing, playing, etc.
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