We all know what today’s date signifies. I would imagine that most adults could readily answer with much clarity and passion the “Where were you…?” question regarding that horrible morning. That day, as with other epic national tragedies like the Oklahoma City bombing, Hurricane Katrina, the Bay Area earthquake, and Columbine, are forever seared in our memories.

As adults it is a challenge to process such events. The emotional toll can be great, even if the impact was indirect. Imagine what it must be like for children - for those who are not yet wired to articulate feelings of such magnitude. How frightening and confusing it must be to see the media images and hear the adults express in such complicated words the events unfolding.

When trauma strikes, whether in your own family or on a national or global scale, tune yourself in to the children around you. Grab some crayons and markers, and along with the child, ask them to draw what they think is happening or what they are feeling. Get out building blocks, puppets, or doll families and participate in using your child’s more natural language, the language of play, to express himself.

If you are concerned that a child is not able to work through a tragedy or if you need support in your role as a caregiver, call a play therapist. Through the medium of toys and with the guidance of a trained counselor, children can find hope and healing from the trauma that they will unfortunately, and undoubtedly, face.

Posted in Mental Health, Parenting, Play Therapy