Want a Guide to Help You Explain Terror Attacks?

by Chantai Snellgrove Print This Article

I judged a book by it’s cover

“Please explain terrorism to me” by Laurie Zelinger, PhD., Published by Loving Healing Press

I have to admit the press release on this book came to me several times…and each time, I simply put it aside. I, admittedly, was thinking, “Terrorism, who wants to talk about terror attacks or terrorism? I certainly do NOT.”

And, truth be told, I wasn’t really crazy about the cover. So, I simply kept putting it over in the “not right now” pile. What is that they say about judging books by covers????….oh yes, I remember now.

Thank goodness the Publisher was persistent and sent me another copy. At first glance, again, I thought about not opening the book up, but, something did call me to open it and to actually read it this time.

Defining Terrorism

Terrorism- the use of violence to frighten people in an attempt to make them behave or think in a different manner.

My Aha moment

Dr. Zelinger skillfully writes relatable children’s stories using everyday situations around the scary concept of terrorism that, regrettably, always seem to end up in our news each evening. Through the story, she shares the child’s perspective and what might be going on in THEIR mind. That’s when I was hit by the point of the book (my Aha! moment)… please explain terrorism to “me” is not about me…it’s about my child!

Terrorism is a part of our life, whether we like it or not

I realized as I was reading the book that I was behaving exactly as the parents were in the story: I turned off the TV; I gave vague answers; I pushed off dealing with the subject. I realized that my daughter was waking up and talking about the attack and shootings in the Ft. Lauderdale Airport as well as the recent things that she’s heard on the news. These things we’re still on her mind.

This point was driven home even more strongly when my daughter and I were going to go to a matinee movie one afternoon, but, had to stop for gas first. When we arrived at our local Sam’s Club, we were turned away because the entire building and surrounding parking areas were barricaded due to a “bomb threat.”

As I drove to the next gas station, I felt a sense of calm (and, basically, relief) because I had read this wonderful book and had some great advice and “tools” on how to actually talk to my child about what we had just encountered in a way that didn’t add to her anxiety.

Dr. Z’s parent coaching tips (in the form of “PEARLS” of wisdom section: PEARL stands for Prepare, Explain, Answer, Reassure, Listen, Safeguard) are very helpful because it gives the caregiver scripts to help guide them as well as room to share what they feel is appropriate for their child.

It is just as the small text on the cover of the book states, “A story for children and P -E -A-R-L-S of wisdom for their parents.” Doctors Z nailed it! I am glad that this gives parents a way to create a dialogue and provide a guide to discuss the uncomfortable (and often scary) topic with their children. It can help children understand the simplified basics of terrorism without creating additional anxiety.

Noteworthy quote:

“If you see something, say something.”

A few things you’ll learn:

-understanding of a child’s world and perspective.

-how a parent may respond

-parents or caregivers are given scripts to help guide their dialogue.

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Want a Guide to Help You Explain Terror Attacks?

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