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Dear Readers,
The recent violence at the Boston Marathon followed by the pursuit of the perpetrators was covered repeatedly and with intensity by the national press. Television reporting was especially graphic, with both verbal descriptions and images of violent encounters. As adults, we express outrage and attempt to understand the forces that motivated such aggression and brutality. But what do we tell our children who view the carnage on television news programs? Here is some advice you can share with parents in your practice (see also JW Pediatr Adolesc Med Aug 3 2011):
1. Limit the amount of news violence children watch on TV.
2. Sit with children when they are watching the news and talk about what you are seeing.
3. For young children, a helpful statement might be: “Many people are working hard to make sure this doesn't happen again. We will always make our home a safe place.”
4. For older children, encourage them to talk about what they experience when they watch violence on the news. Talking about fears in a safe environment when a trusted person is listening is often therapeutic. Do not attempt to provide definitive answers to all their questions. Practice active listening to allow for anxieties, fears, and rage to be expressed in the safety of your home.
5. Give all children the space to express themselves with words and emotions. Clinicians know the value of silence during a challenging clinical interview. Use it with your children. A quiet moment allows them to consolidate their feelings and respond (verbally and nonverbally) with greater clarity.
6. Help parents appreciate that the relationship of trust they have with their children can promote a dialogue and a sense of safety when it is needed the most.