Tips for Parents to Help Youth

Helping Children Cope in Unsettling Times

Americans and people around the world are presently facing difficult and unsettling times. The uncertainty can be stressful and unnerving, especially to children.

Children may become confused or fearful that they or their loved ones are at risk. As an adult, you need to help children feel safe, even if you are feeling more vulnerable.

Here are some tips that can help:

1. Remain calm and reassuring. Children will take their cues from you, especially young children.

2. Acknowledge and normalize their feelings. Allow children to discuss their feelings and concerns and encourage any questions they may have regarding this event.

3. Maintain a normal routine. Keeping to a regular schedule can be reassuring and promote physical health.

4. Spend family time. Doing enjoyable activities with you reinforces your children s sense of stability and normalcy.

5. Turn off or monitor the television. It is important to stay informed, but watching endless news programs is likely to heighten your anxiety and that of your children or students.

The Boys Town National Hotline has (English and Spanish-speaking) professional counselors standing by 24 hours every day to provide you with more helpful tips and information about coping with the war and its effects on your family. Counselors can also help you identify and deal with signs of extreme stress and anxiety in your children.

Call (1-800-448-3000) or email* a hotline counselor today. Deaf or hearing-impaired persons can contact the hotline through a TDD line (1-800-448-1833).

*Confidentiality Notice: Due to the unsecured nature of email, The Boys Town National Hotline cannot guarantee the confidentiality or the privacy of your e-mail. Please be aware that your message or our response could be intercepted by a third party. If this is a concern for you, you may contact a Hotline counselor directly by calling 1-800-448-3000.