Children's War Fears and the Mass Media February 16, 2003
Joanne Cantor, Ph. D.
Professor Emerita, University of Wisconsin-Madison
With the war with Iraq continually present, and television not only stressing the horror of war but explicitly warning viewers of impending terrorist attacks on U. S. soil, parents are in a very difficult situation regarding how to deal with their children's understandable fears.
After the September 11th terrorist attacks, in response to many questions from parents, teachers, social workers and the press, I wrote "Helping Children Cope:
Advice in the Aftermath of the Terrorist Attacks on America." Most of that advice is relevant to the current situation.In addition, my book, "Mommy, I'm Scared," helps parents understand their children's responses to the mass media and gives them strategies for helping their children cope in similar situations.
My new children's book, called Teddy's TV Troubles helps parents and children deal with media-induced fears together.
See also, Coping with the disturbing images from Iraq
Other advice for parents can be found on my PARENTS' PAGES and on other parts of my Web Site.
Advice for calming preschoolers
Advice for reassuring older children
to contact Joanne Cantor