1. Limit Media Exposure. The media will replay the events of September 11^th in many formats. In addition to the developmentally inappropriate content of news reports, young children may confuse the images and stories of last year and wonder if it is happening today.
2. Use the "Teachable Moment." This is a opportunity to visit or revisit the Quaker Testimonies on Peace and Equality; introduce conflict resolution skills and learn about other cultures. One beginning point may be attending the "Parents New to Quaker Education" meeting 9/9/02 7:15 p.m. in the Meeting House.
3. Model Interest. Children take their cues from the adults around them and learn from watching their parents take the time to reach out to people with differing backgrounds.
4. Provide Honest and Brief Information. Children often ask questions seeming larger than intended. Answer questions with honesty and clarity but limit answers to one or two sentences. Then ask if they have further questions. You might want to repeat until your child has the knowledge being sought.
5. Identify "Heroes" of Varying Backgrounds.
6. Provide a Safe Place for Expression of Feelings. You may find your child to be unaffected by the anniversary one moment and full of anxiety the next. Validating a natural range of emotions and allowing your child the time to express these emotions will ease their minds.
7. Take Care of Yourself. By taking time to decompress you will not only supply yourself the additional energy needed for your family but also provide excellent modeling of self-care for your child.
8. Look for Stress Reactions. Keep an eye out for significant behavior changes such as being afraid to be alone, avoidance, ‘re-experiencing’ the attacks, difficulty falling asleep, or regression. If your child exhibits any of these or other difficult behaviors please contact the teacher or counselor.
9. Engage in Constructive Activities. Be active or creative together. Donate your time. Learn a new hobby as a family. Community service projects allow every member of the family to feel productive and valuable.
10. Maintain Normal Family Schedule And Be Flexible. The normalcy and dependability of routine can be comforting, especially as students return to school. Being flexible is also important as you monitor the emotional reactions of your children.
11. Emphasize the Positive. Your child has grown in numerous areas within the past year, including their size, ability to handle situations, influence on the world around them and ability to be a good friend.
12. Watch for After Effects on September 12^th. Your child may not seem affected until sometime after September 12^th. Being observant of behavioral changes is an important preventative step.

Websites: www.mediafamily.org (Television Ratings Guide) www.7-dippity.com (Free download of booklet "Helping America Cope" by Annette La Greca. Booklet with activities, discussion points and reflections for parents and children) www.guidancechannel.com/talkingterrorism.pdf (Free download of booklet "Will they Fly a Plane Into Our House? How to Talk to Children About Terrorism" by Dr. Lawrence Shapiro)