August 31, 2005

Purdue expert urges families to talk about hurricane trauma

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. – If parents have had a conversation with their children about the tragedies surrounding Hurricane Katrina, they need to remember once is not enough, says a child development specialist at Purdue University.

"Parents have expressed difficulty in explaining what happened in this and other large-scale public tragedies to their children, but it's important that they realize parents don't need to have all the answers," said Judith Myers-Walls, associate professor of child development and family studies. "This is a great opportunity to teach kids coping mechanisms. By being honest, parents can show their kids how to cope with being afraid."

Myers-Walls recommends the following actions for parents, teachers and other caring adults when children have questions about the hurricane's effects:

• Don't assume that the kids don't know about it.

• Be available and "askable."

• Share your own feelings.

• Help children use creative outlets, such as art and music, to express their feelings.

• Reassure young people, and help them feel safe.

• Support children's concern for people they don't know.

• Look for feelings beyond fear.

• Help children and youth find a way to think about the event and move forward.

• Take action and get involved in positive action to help alleviate others' suffering.

Some of these same principles apply to talking with children about any major crisis situation, including the anniversary of 9/11. Myers-Walls can address how parents can listen and discuss these events with children of different ages.

Myers-Wallls created an online resource on how to talk with children about Katrina.

Writer: Maggie Morris, (765) 494-2432, maggiemorris@purdue.edu

Source: Judith Myers-Walls, (765) 494-2959, myerswal@purdue.edu

Purdue News Service: (765) 494-2096; purduenews@purdue.edu

Note to Journalists: Child development expert Judith Myers-Walls can speak on a wide range of topics dealing with children and families to aid in understanding the effects of Hurricane Katrina or leading up to the anniversary of 9/11. Myers-Walls maintains the Terrorism and Children Web site with resources for parents and children's caregivers.

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