How do you explain to children the attacks in Brussels?

Children up to two years often have no sense of war, it is best therefore to prevent them from seeing or hearing anything. "Then it depends on the child. Some are earlier ready to grasp all others are later mature in this area. On average we assume that children under eight or nine years best be protected as much as possible of such notifications. you notice that they do something that they have come to know, wrist first with them what they already know and continue on in there. "

Give children a safe feeling

"The key is to give children a safe feeling. You have to make them clear at all times that these attacks have happened now close to home, but that does not mean that they will have tomorrow to make a bomb. Children involve everything namely really alone. They will soon think that there is going to explode now bombs in their street. It is important to be a haven of peace for the children. Denial is not necessary, certainly not exaggerate the issue, but perspective certainly does.

Do not look at live images

Come therefore first self to relax before you talk to your children. Also never live images with them. First take everything on screen and the images, so you know exactly what you're going to show and how you can place it. Please also not too many details freely. "There are bad people with bombs and weapons that other people slain, but there are many more good people who fight against it," is often enough. "

What about teenagers?

In teenagers, the situation is reversed. They get a lot of information inside and will often project themselves. They are very quiet and others will take their opinions and very extreme thinking. So you will soon hear, "All Muslims must die" because they have heard somewhere that one more time. At this age you have to just ask provoking questions, so they talk about their feelings and can help fit everything. For example, by saying: "At this violence are all refugees just on the run '."

In the class

According crisis psychologist Erik De Soir, it is now particularly important to ensure in the classroom for adequate interpretation. "Some children attend the news closely followed have, others will simply have played on their iPad and have missed the most. But some will be impressed by what told on home field, for all of them, it is important that there is a moment comes when they can ventilate all, a small talk time children are left with many questions. 'Is it war Is it still safe here Primary school children have a different sense of time and space, they think that terrorists now suddenly everywhere? will strike, also at their home and at school. "

bad timing

"The timing is particularly bad, so just before the Easter break as parents with their children off on holiday. I can imagine that parents are particularly anxious, as did their children. It would not surprise many people even had to cancel their trip me . "

"Do children not afraid of strangers"

Child Focus also posted on its website with tips on how to talk with your children about such difficult subject. "Take your kids definitely not afraid of strangers, which will make them even more fearful and anxious," it reads. "But also tell them that if they do something or someone does not feel at ease, they need to quickly seek the company of someone they trust." Child Focus also advises not to apply to fixed routines for the sake of your own anxiety.

http://www.nieuwsblad.be/ By: by Migé Photo: newspaper