• 19Mar, 2019

The recent incidents of terrorism in Pulwama sent shockwaves throughout the country and world. The way young children and teens perceive the world is very different from what we as adults have learnt through experience. Inhuman acts of terrorism are different from natural calamities like floods and earthquakes which young minds understand easily. However, terror attacks trigger stress and anxiety and bring in a flood of thoughts and questions. As adults, we are at a loss to explain such acts which we as adults are groping with. As much as we would want to protect our children from these unexplainable and inhuman acts, we need to understand that young children have direct access and exposure to various sources of information. There is every possibility that children gain half information or incorrect information and they process and perceive it in their own way.

It is for us as adults to step in and ask them what they already know and take it ahead from there. We have to break down the incidence at their level to help them understand and cope with such occurrences. We have to empower them to deal with these harsh realities of life. Talk about basic safety measures that we need to follow to keep ourselves safe in all situations. Connect the safety measures to their routines. Make time for hugs and cuddles, give them the emotional security to deal with such incidents. Giving them examples of the real life heroes who go out of their way to help in such situations gives them the hope and courage to become resilient in the face of diversities. It is at such times that they need reassurance from us that the world is not bad but it is about the choices that people make. Help children release their emotions of such stressful events through colours and drawings.

Children are extremely sensitive and continuously keep absorbing from their surroundings. When they hear about terrorism for the first time, they might be scared and anxious. When this happens, comfort them. Explain to them how terrorism is generally a product of hatred and anger, but it is never fair to harm others or ourselves on feeling such emotions. Tell them that incidents like these don’t happen every day and there are police and army forces trying to protect us. Talk more about the heroes. As in any other situation, role model how you cope with such news; ensure responsible conversations and actions from your end.

There might be instances of bullying and targeting of students that belong to a particular faith or appear in a certain way following a terrorist attack. It is extremely important to educate children on how these two things need to be seen separately. Children who face such abuse need to be told that comments like these are not to be tolerated and immediately reported to parents or school authorities.

We understand the protective instinct of parents. But talking to children about such issues will help them deal better with the realities of life.Remember that your child has the ability to cope with such information and all you have to do is be there for them.

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