Trauma : Important Factors in Response to a Trauma (continued)

Caretakers should communicate to children that they have done everything to keep them safe, that this violence is over, and it is isolated to specific areas

Terrorist acts are reckless acts of desperation and dread performed to create a traumatic response

Lashing out with hostility will only cause more harm, possibly to innocent people

Overexposure to the media can itself be traumatizing; avoid repetitious viewing of news footage

Answer questions reassuringly but honestly

Accept that trauma has painful procedures and that most people are "good"

Increase time together as a family, encourage connectedness, and schedule family events, including time for exercise which has shown to reduce stress

Providing comfort and support over time will help; try not to expect an immediate positive response

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