North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center, Author at North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center

How To Talk To Kids About Terrorism

by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jun 16, 2017 | Blog

Just yesterday, violent images and reports of shooting were once again inundating our lives with the shooting of congressional leaders, aides and police in Alexandria, Va. It was only a few weeks ago, on May 22^nd, 2017, that the Manchester attacks occurred at the Ariana Grande concert which killed and injured innocent children and their parents.

It’s tough to watch the toxicity of the world tarnish the innocence of our children. No one wants their kids to know that there are horrible people out there who want to hurt and kill others. However, the harsh reality of it all is that it is in the kids’ best interest to be aware of and have open communication pertaining to the rise in terrorist attacks.

Many parents have concerns about how to speak with their children about terrorism and develop ways to reassure them that they are safe.

Following are some tips to help guide you in these discussions:

Sit down with your kids in a comfortable environment where they are free from distractions. When you are situated, ask them what they already know about the terrorist attacks. That will help you determine how to have the conversation without delving into too much at once.
Start by asking them how they feel. By determining their thoughts and feelings on the matter, you’ll allow them to express themselves, which will inform you on their understanding and wellbeing.
Be honest and clear, keeping in mind the age of your child. For younger children, keep the discussion simple by utilizing words and language that they understand and are comfortable with.
As the conversation continues, their emotions may heighten, but keep in mind that any anger, sadness, frustration, and so on is natural. Their response is in regards to the recent events, which are scary and can instill fear in anyone (Niz, 2017).
To help them through their emotions, reassure your children that their safety is in good hands as many people work to keep them safe. Just as Mr. Rodgers says, “look for the helpers,” or look for those who are in uniform and whose job it is to help others.
Explain that many people from all over want to help such as the police, firefighters, and doctors and nurses (healthychildren.org, 2017).
You can also reassure them by discussing what to do as a family to practice safety such as wearing seat belts, wearing helmets, being aware of their surroundings, and having an emergency action plan established (Niz, 2017).
Moreover, in the best way that you can, model positive coping skills such as leading a healthy lifestyle, speaking about your emotions, and maintaining consistency within the household (Niz, 2017).
Parenting is an individualized process which gives you the authority to determine how much media exposure you want your kids to have. The older that they are, the more likely they are to know about and better comprehend the terrorist attacks through varying forms of media, and word of mouth. It’s up to you to discuss it with them.

Niz, E. S. (2017, May 23). How to Talk to Kids About Terrorism. Retrieved June 14, 2017, from http://www.parents.com/parenting/better-parenting/advice/how-to-talk-to-kids-about-terrorism/

How to Talk to Your Children after an Act of Terrorism. (n.d.). Retrieved June 14, 2017, from https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Pages/How-Talk-to-Children-After-Act-Terrorism.aspx?gclid=CK7w87Gju9QCFQaBswodt0oBOg

Spring Luncheon Benefits Local Families

by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | Jun 8, 2017 | In The Media

From the Boulevard Magazine, Anton Media, Spring 2017

A Chance Encounter – Or More?

by North Shore Child & Family Guidance Center | May 25, 2017 | Anton Media

Have you heard of godwinks? A godwink is an experience where you’d say, “What are the chances of that!” It’s been described by some as a spiritual message of reassurance, especially in times of uncertainty, maybe the impetus for restored faith during difficult times. Some see it as divine intervention, others as pure coincidence.

Although I was not familiar with the term, it reminded me of something that happened to me that I thought was astonishing. In 2005 I lost a very good friend and colleague named Roselle. We had become business partners in 1990. The longtime editors of a popular professional journal decided to step down and asked the two of us, strangers at the time, to become their successors.

Years later we both revealed that we were, at first, wary of each other. After all, we’d never met, and so we had no idea what it would be like working together as co-editors of an esteemed quarterly publication. Roselle was a university professor and I was a frontline mental health practitioner. What we shared in common was that we were both published authors.

After a relatively short period of testing and unease we not only became great collaborators but fast friends. The relationship ended in June of 2005 when I received a call that Roselle had died. It was sudden, unexpected and heartbreaking.

Shortly thereafter, in December 2005, I organized a meeting with two of Roselle’s fellow professors and friends. Together we decided to develop a special publication in Roselle’s honor. We were to meet in Manhattan at their university. Normally, I would have just taken the LIRR into the city them morning of our meeting, but, as luck would have it, at the time there was a transit strike. So I decided to play it safe and get in the night before and stay in a hotel while the trains were still running.

That night I took a walk and stopped in a bar to get a glass of wine. I walked to the end of the bar and there was my cousin Amy whom I had not seen in years. Unbeknownst to me, she lived across the street from the bar and was working as a real estate broker. It was great catching up with her.

Fast forward some months later. I was back in Manhattan to take care of some business regarding my partnership with Roselle at a local university. Having reconnected, I called Amy to see if she was free for lunch. She was and so we got together. She asked me why I was in the city. I told her I had to go to Hunter College School of Social Work to take care of some business related to a partnership I had with a professor there. I explained that she died last June. She asked me, “What was name?” I told her, “Roselle Kurland.” She gasped and said, “Oh my God, I just sold her apartment!”

Was this a godwink? Was it a tangible signpost giving me hope and faith that someone is watching over me and everything is going to be alright? Or was it pure coincidence, a fluke? I choose to think that it was more than that. During these uncertain times, a source of faith, however unusual, is a welcome reminder that we are not alone and that there is hope.

From Anton Media Group, May 24-30, 2017