Traumatic events can have a powerful impact on children.  Graphic images of natural disasters and terrorist activities can result in children feeling that their safety is threatened.  When there is an interruption in the natural flow of life, a child can experience anxiety and fear.  These are normal reactions.

Be calm and reassure children that they are safe.  Children take their emotional cues from the significant adults in their lives.  Explain that other important adults in their lives are safe and that these are only temporary events that can be overcome. Explain that the government, firefighters, police, doctors, and the military are helping people who are hurt and are working to ensure that no further tragedies occur.

Let children know its all right to feel upset.  Listen to what children tell you about their fears, and don't dismiss these fears.  Listen when children tell about how they feel and what they think of what has happened.  Encourage the children to talk about these feelings and help put them into perspective.  Encourage your child’s physical, creative and artistic avenues of expression at this time.

Observe a child's emotional state.  Depending on their age, children may not express their concerns verbally.  Children who at first hold back fear or grief may experience delayed stress symptoms later, such as reverting to outgrown childish behavior, sleeplessness, anxiety, nightmares, or even depression.  These behaviors are only signs of the child's anxiety, and your acceptance will reassure the child and shorten the duration of such behaviors.  Children respond to praise, and parents should make a deliberate effort not to focus on the child's immature behavior.  Have them engage in "normal" activities, school, play, etc. as much as possible