Helping Children Understand Terrorism

Anthrax spores in the mail. Car bombs. Biological warfare. Nuclear weapons. These are all terrifying outcomes of terrorism. And worse, the terrorists don't even have to use them; we just have to think that they will.
 
The true power of terrorism lies in fear: fear that interferes with day-to-day living and makes us afraid to open our mail without checking with the Center for Disease Control (CDC) for possible anthrax spores.
 
Human beings react to fear in very predictable ways: like most animals, we have a well-developed "fight or flight" instinct. When threatened, our bodies release adrenalin in readiness to either run from the threat or face it head-on. It's a system that has served us well for millennia.
 
Unfortunately, terrorism uses our biological defense mechanism against us. Terrorist tactics are designed to prevent us from using either flight or fight. It's hard to run from a sudden bomb attack or biological warfare. The terrorist is rarely right at the scene of the attack, so fighting back immediately is not an option.
 
We're left with fear pumping adrenalin through our bodies, but with no immediate use for it. This can lead to physical and mental stress, and eventually even anxiety and depression. How do we cope with this? Leading an active lifestyle can help us keep our perspective. Being prepared for possible attacks and knowing what to do if one occurs can also help.
Talking to Children about Terrorism
 
It's impossible to shield our children from the reality of terrorism, and if we want them to be prepared and safe, we shouldn't try to. Kids need to know what to do and how to react just as adults do. Talking terrorism with children is difficult, because they will ask the tough questions. Before you have the conversation, consider how you want to answer the following questions, because they may well be asked:
  1. Who are the terrorists?
    Tricky question. Explain that, while terrorists may have religious or racial motivations, their race or religion shouldn't be discriminated against. Terrorists are individuals, not whole cultures.
  2. Why do they want to kill me?
    The child may take the threat personally (most young children see themselves as the center of the universe). Explain that the threat isn't directed against them personally.
  3. Why do terrorists want to kill people?
    Try explaining that the terrorists want certain things to change, but that they aren't willing to talk, compromise, or accept anything other than exactly what they want. This will probably lead into a talk on why this isn't acceptable.
  4. Who protects us?
    You want your child informed about terrorism, but not terrified. Talk about the police and soldiers whose job it is to keep people safe. Tailor it to the child's age: a five-year-old will probably find the idea of the police more comforting (and understandable) than the notion of a Department of Homeland Security.