Dealing With the Scary Stuff

We know you're used to dealing with the day-to-day fears of children, but world events over the last few years have expanded the scope of their fears. As you look for ways to help your children cope with and understand what's happening in the world and how to manage their feelings, PBS 45 & 49 have gathered information here to help YOU help your children. Check out these web resources:

Talking With Kids About War and Violence
Many parents are concerned by what kids are saying about the threat of war and other scary news and are wondering how to respond in age-appropriate ways. The PBS Parents Guide to Talking With Kids About War and Violence helps parents communicate with children and soothe their fears. Check out http://www.pbs.org/parents/issuesadvice/talkingwithkids/war/intro.html.

Helping Our Children Feel Safe
The makers of Arthur offer suggestions for conversation and play to help your children with scary news. Check out http://pbskids.org/arthur/grownups/parentguides/safe.index.html.

More from Arthur's web site
The Arthur program April 9th (see front page) grew out of the producers' interest in providing children and parents with a way to think about and discuss upsetting and frightening experiences our children may encounter in their communities and on television. A companion web guide at http://pbskids.org/arthur/grownups/parentguides/safe.index.html includes a read-aloud version of April 9th and parenting tips. Like the episode on which it is based, this read-aloud story explores what happens when there is a fire at Lakewood Elementary School. You may also want to download Helping Our Children in Difficult Times, a handy one-sheet that includes tips from early childhood experts to help parents talk to kids.

"But what if I'm not online?"
Visit your local public library. Most have computers for public use and a librarian can help you learn to use the Internet!