...Suggestions to help children include -

• Provide age-appropriate therapeutic services.
  In a safe environment, children who have been witnesses or victims can process their emotions and the events. Not all children develop overt symptoms associated with trauma. The specific kind of intervention needed depends on the form, level, and duration of exposure that the child has had. Interventions should begin as closely as possible to the traumatic event to decrease the long-term impact of the trauma.
  

• Provide emotional support.
  This support should come from non-offending family members, caretakers, and teachers.
  

• Encourage children to communicate.
  They need to talk about what happened and have their experience validated by a parent (non-offending adult), teacher, or mental health consultant. Younger children may express themselves primarily in their play or drawings.
  

• Limit television viewing.
  The media can be a powerful tool for education, but only if it is used with close adult supervision. What children see becomes part of their inner world. Spend time talking or reading to the child.
  

• Protect the child from exposure to violence.
  Whenever possible, eliminate physical confrontations or arguing in the presence of the child.
  

• Give the child positive experiences and emotional support.
  For example, console when the child is upset, or give a hug for reassurance.