Parents are faced with the challenge of deciding how much to share with their children and how much might be too much information.
The first step is to keep your own emotions in check. "Exposure to the hurricane's effects is upsetting and overwhelming for most adults," says Dr. Susan Sylvia, pediatric psychologist and director of the Medical Crisis Coping Center at St. Louis Children's Hospital. "Kids look to their parents and other significant adults as a barometer measuring their own safety and security. It's important for mom and dad to manage their own stress level when the kids are around."

Other tips from Dr. Sylvia:

* Do not assume the child's worries and questions are the same as your own. Each child will understand and react differently. This will vary to some extent with age or developmental level, personality and pre-existing anxiety, and the manner in which the information is presented.

* Provide basic information about what happened at an age appropriate level. Brief, basic facts are typically appropriate for younger children, while older children and teens may have more questions. Don't overwhelm young children with too much information, but be sure to address questions as they arise.

* Use open-ended statements and questions such as, "Tell me what you know" and "What questions do you have?" rather than "Do you understand what happened?" and "Do you have any questions?" This will help you get a better sense of the child's understanding, worries and desires for more information.

* Acknowledge the events in a calm way and provide reassurance about the child's own safety and security. Be honest - don't tell children something "could never happen" to them - but minimize anxiety by talking about the relative likelihood. Focus on their parents' and caregivers' ability and efforts to keep them safe from harm.

* Try to be in charge of what and how your child learns about the disaster. In general, it is a good idea to limit children's exposure to traumatic news stories and images. While adults may want to stay informed, it is best to turn off the television when children are present. Inquire about how teachers are handling the news with students so you can monitor their exposure at school.

* Remember that many children have a difficult time talking directly about their concerns. Be sure to look for behavioral signs that your child may be distressed. These can include increased difficulty separating from parents, sleep or appetite disturbances, toileting accidents and withdrawal or "shutting down." Provide the opportunity to talk about worries, without forcing the child to talk. If concerns develop, it may be appropriate to seek professional help.

For more information, or to schedule an interview with Dr. Sylvia, contact Jackie Ferman, 314-286-0304, or Heidi Suppelsa, 314-286-0416.