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Helping Children Cope with Violence
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Children who grow up with
violence are at risk for pathological
development because growing up in a constant
state of apprehension makes it difficult to
establish trust, autonomy, and social
competence.
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Many
families find it difficult to provide
infants with support, love and affection in
a consistent and predictable manner when
they live in a constant state of
apprehension...not knowing when they are
going to be victims of violence.
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When children
see and experience abuse and violence as a
way of life, when the people who are
responsible for them behave without
restraint, the children often learn to
behave in the same manner.
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Boys and
girls who are victims of abuse and who see
abusive behavior in their families can grow
up feeling as if they are responsible for
what is happening.
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Living in
unpredictably frightening situations makes
children feel as if they have no control
over their lives.
What You Can Do as
a Parent
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Talk about the traumatic
event with your child
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Do your best to make yourself
available, reassuring and predictable.
Create routines that your child can count
on.
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Inform adults and children in
the child's world what has happened to allow
them to have understanding of your child's
situation and emotions.
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Offer lots of opportunities
for self-expression by allowing your child
space to vent his/her emotions in a safe
way.
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Give your child opportunities
for self-expression through art and story
telling
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Create very clear ession through art and story
telling
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Create very clear
expectations and limits. Children want to
know how to act.
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Listen to your children and
take them seriously when they talk to you.
They need your ear and support
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Hold regular family meetings
so children have a place and time to talk
about their concerns and the things they are
thinking about.
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Spend special time with each
child alone, reminding him/her of their
uniqueness
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