When Fear Invades the Safest Places
Adults and children who learn of
tragedies are likely to struggle
with feelings of fear,
helplessness and guilt, experts
say.
Certain places, such as schools,
are expected to be safe.
But that
is not always so.
Tragedies such
as the slayings of schoolchildren
reinforce a sense of vulnerability.
Parents, feeling
helpless, may
become frightened for their
children, restrictive,
overprotective and
afraid to let
them out. Children may
worry that
a tragedy will befall them.
Here is some advice for dealing
with these feelings. Adults
should:
Resist the temptation to
overprotect children. Be strong
and set an example.
Confront the issue squarely
with children if they
are confident
the children are old
enough to
understand.
Talk to children,
explain what
happened and try not to disguise
or avoid it. Kids likely
will hear
about it.
Note that this is something
done by bad people, and the
purpose may be to make others
feel like prisoners.
Reassure children. Say such
events are rare.
Source: Free Press Interviews
– Free Press Interviews