Reactions to this disaster will be nationwide and long term. It is not unusual for children to have delayed reactions and parents should not be alarmed if this occurs. Disasters such as this one give children, as well as adults, an increased sense of vulnerability and instability that may result in different feelings at different stages of development. The following are guidelines of expected behavioral patterns you may identify in your child:

• Pre-school children: thumb sucking, bedwetting, clinging to parents, sleep disturbances, loss of appetite, fear of the dark, regression in toileting habits
• Elementary school children: irritability, aggressiveness, clinginess, nightmares, school avoidance, poor concentration, withdrawal from activities and friends, increased conflict with siblings
• Middle school children: sleep disturbance, loss of appetite, poor school performance, physical complaints (headache, stomachache) conflict with parents, withdrawal from friends
• High school children: sleeping and eating disturbances, agitation, lack of energy, lessened interest in peers, physical complaints (headache, stomachache) poor concentration, irresponsible or delinquent behavior

These symptoms may or may not surface in your child; but if so, expect them to vary in duration and intensify from child to child. You, as parents, know your child best. If you feel your child is having difficulty that causes you concern, you may contact professional counselors for assistance. Parents, however, can be of assistance in the following manner:

Children need constant reassurance and acknowledgement of their feelings when a national disaster such as this occurs. Allow your child to discuss his or her feelings openly with you. You should alert teachers to your child’s reactions if you have concerns. Understand that stress causes fatigue and expect some changes in sleeping habits. Involve your family in something positive to restore their sense of control (blood drives, donations, etc.).

Guidance counselors, child study team personnel and the student assistance counselor have referral sources available to you if you so desire. Please contact your local school to assist you in obtaining this information.