war in iraq

Parents need to prepare their children for War, says psychologist

March 10, 2003

LOS ANGELES--(BUSINESS WIRE) As the countdown to war continues, a psychologist who treated children who experienced psychological difficulties in the 1991 Gulf War says, "It will not only be those children with loved ones in the Persian Gulf who will experience war anxieties but kids at home in front of the T.V."

Psychologist, Robert R. Butterworth, Ph.D., has a strategy to help parents prepare their children for War. "Parents need to get in the practice of conducting a 'Child's war briefing' -- a clear, understandable explanation of the war news that occurs daily and creating a supportive environment in which children can discuss their feelings and even debate with parents their opinions concerning the conflict -- honesty regarding parental emotions while talking about feelings in a supportive environment. The crucial point for parents is not blocking out the war news to children but explaining war facts truthfully to children according to their age and emotional development. Parents may be hesitant to let their children watch news reports of the war, afraid that their kids could be traumatized. But protecting children from the reality of the Gulf situation can do more harm than good."

The psychologist uses maps, toy tanks, soldiers and aircraft in a simulated 'Desert City' to explain the Iraq crisis to children. He also has a Saddam Hussein puppet that children who are afraid, can punch and kick. "Venting their fear into anger by punching the puppet, they change their helplessness into anger, an emotion that is easier for a child to master and control," Butterworth says.

Dr. Butterworth's Parental Tips for Children:

• Find out how much a child knows about Iraq and their feelings concerning war.
• Explain the "who, what, where" of the Iraq conflict -- Children who do not know the real facts will fantasize their own version of reality, which can create more stress than would occur by a clear and understandable explanation of the actual events.
• For a child who has a parent in the military, be alert for separation anxiety symptoms.
• Be alert for anxiety symptoms in children who become frightened when exposed to the television war coverage -- Fear and anxiety can be manifested by attention-getting behavior, physical complaints, regressive symptoms and declining school performance.
• Parents need to be honest about their emotions and encourage their children to discuss their feelings.
• War explanations need to be geared to the child's age level -- some children may be quite sophisticated, others not. Attempt to answer all inquiries in a way that a child can comprehend.
• Talk about moral issues -- there are important lessons that can be brought out by war; war is serious and not fun. War can also lead to a more pessimistic view of the world and of the future for a child.
• Never glorify war to a child. Children should be told that war is a terrible event that may be necessary at times but never sought out.
• Talking with children about how some children may stereotype all Arabs in the Middle East as the enemy is also crucial.

Contact: International Trauma Associates Robert R. Butterworth, Ph.D.,213/487-7339 (24 hours) Fax: 213/477-2340 robert@drbutterworth.net

Source: International Trauma Associates

war in iraq