Helping kids deal with war fears

Children may have a tough time understand and expressing their feelings on a possible war.<br><br>Edison students have taken a course called "Facing Fear" offered by the American Red Cross. It teaches

Saturday, February 15th 2003, 12:00 am

By: News On 6

Children may have a tough time understand and expressing their feelings on a possible war.

Edison students have taken a course called "Facing Fear" offered by the American Red Cross. It teaches children to recognize that feelings of confusion and fear are normal.

Doctor Judith Holt says learning to deal with new threats is as important as knowing about the dangers we've always faced.

"We've always dealt with the fact that this was tornado alley. We always wanted to prepare for weather events. We've never had to worry about chemical warfare before and it's very hard for even adults to deal with it, much less children, who are seeking knowledge and guidance and hopefully some relief that it's alright to feel this way. We're all feeling this way but if you talk about it it helps reduce your fears."

To find out how to get "Facing Fears" in your child's school you can call the Red Cross at 831-1109, or log on to kotv.com.