Thursday, June 3, 2010

Helping Kids Cope With Crisis

By Yoon Sung-min


The ongoing global economic crisis can be stressful and fearful for children. The sullen moods of economic depression experienced by adults can be easily transmitted to our children, who are much more vulnerable toward emotional stress and fear than grown-ups. Adults are inclined not to reveal bad news to their children out of an assumption that it is better for them not to be exposed to bad things.

However, this is not realistic. By sidetracking, children can get to know what is currently happening through the media, by hearing from their peers in a classroom setting, or a playground. Therefore, parents and teachers need to help children understand what is actually happening and cope with their emotional reactions to prevent a further dysfunctional impact on their lives.

For the last two weeks, my clinic has shown an alarming number of children who have presented fear- and anxiety-related symptoms to this economic crisis faced by their families. These children are unable to fully verbalize what they feel and think due to the fact that their expressive language development is not yet complete.

Instead, their feelings and thought are expressed in the form of various psychological and somatic symptoms. Children in crisis may show agitation, social withdrawal, a clinging to adults, sleeping difficulties and have nightmares. They may also feel low self-esteem, confusion, helplessness, anger and suicidal ideation.

In order to help children cope in this economic crisis, it is more desirable for adults to be sincere and honest because most fears and anxieties are triggered by misconception and misinterpretation in cognitive processing. The confusion and uncertainty could lead to cognitive mal-adaptation, which results in fear and anxiety with subsequent physical and behavioral symptoms. Therefore, we need to help children understand what is exactly happening and what they should expect from the economic crisis. To do so, we need to learn some helping strategies.

The U.S. National Association of School Psychologists recently published tips for parents and teachers who need to help children cope during an economic crisis.

First, be assuring. Adults need to acknowledge that economic challenges are unnerving. The likelihood is that you and your children will be resilient. Second, acknowledge and normalize their feelings. It is important for children to understand that negative feelings are normal and expected. This allows them to express themselves safely. Third, maintain a normal routine. Although faced with crisis, sticking to a regular schedule can be reassuring and help promote both physical and psychological health. Fourth, spend time as a family. Sharing enjoyable activities with parents will benefit children in reinforcing their sense of stability and normalcy. Fifth, be optimistic. Even if the economic situations worsen, most people will be fine and resilient. It is important for adults to make children learn not to give up and stand for hope. Last but not least, discuss the economic crisis and prepare resolutions. Children can then use it as a learning opportunity in their future.

In sum, children are much more vulnerable to crisis. Therefore, preparation and preventive efforts are needed to protect them from anxiety and fear triggered by the uncertainty of such an event. We should not just resort to hiding the truth in the closet.

To the contrary, it's better to be open with them. This way, it will help children understand the difficulties and help them feel safe and confident. By doing so, children will learn to handle obstacles in the future. A crisis can turn out to be a valuable learning opportunity for them.



The Koreatimes, 5/4/2009

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