| Five-year-old Rebecca is intent on using crayons and paper in her child care center. Holding a red crayon tightly, she makes heavy marks on the paper. The young child is expressing her feelings about a recent automobile accident in which she and her mother were injured. Both were transported by ambulance to the hospital. It's been several weeks since the accident, but whenever she hears a siren or the screeching of tires she panics. After the destruction of the World Trade Center in New York, four-year-old Danny draws a picture of two planes. When asked about his drawing, Danny tells his teacher, "I'm drawing a 'good' plane and a 'bad' plane." During a personal trauma or national crisis, it is important for teachers and parents to give children the tools and opportunities to express themselves. Like adults, children feel the need to talk through their fears and concerns. They look to us to give them stability in an often unstable world. Children feel cared for when the normal routine continues, when they are listened to, and when they know their questions are just as important as answers. When a crisis occurs, be extra vigilant and look for the following signs in children: - Expression of a broad range of emotions
- Physical illness (particularly stomach aches)
- Problems sleeping (waking up, nightmares)
- Separation anxiety when away from parents
- Increased attachment to adults
- Irritability or expressions of anger
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