Helping Kids Cope with Anxiety About War

Suggested Anchor Introduction

A New Mexico State University expert offers advice on talking to your kids about the war. Anna María Pérez-Wright has the story.

Story

Click to Listen:

Many parents worry about talking to their kids about the war in Iraq. How much should they know, how much should they see on television? Marriage and family therapy professor Robert Del Campo with New Mexico State University says parents should limit television exposure. He says it is important for kids to be informed, but parents also need to make them feel secure.

"Many parents want to talk to their kids about the war, want to talk to their kids about their fears of terrorism. What I say to parents is instead of talking to them, first listen to them. Ask them questions. Try to find out what their concerns are. Try to find out what their level of understanding is about the war. And then fill in the blanks. Try to help them feel secure. Model a calm demeanor, a security within you."

DelCampo says it's important to explain the situation to children in terms appropriate for their ages. More information is available on the Web at www.cyfernet.org. For N-M-S-U's College of Agriculture and Home Economics, I'm Anna María Pérez-Wright.