Helping a child achieve a sense of control is important to building the child's sense of security. When children or teens feel out of control, they may show symptoms of anxiety or stress. A sense of control can be developed by involving children in creative expression of fear through puppets, art, music, drama, speeches, debates and storytelling. Children and teens, as well as adults, must be able to find hope for the future. It is important to openly communicate this idea with children and teens by expressing that no one knows what the future holds but that when we work together we have every reason to believe that life is worth living and things will work out even during war.
Adults can attempt to expand a child's understanding of war beyond the battlefield.
It may be helpful to define war as the inability to live with differences, or to compromise, not simply destroying people. Adults can provide opportunities for children or teens to be involved in multicultural experiences, to learn about and appreciate diverse life-styles and beliefs. They can invite former veterans, POWs, international citizens, historians and policy makers to tell about their experiences. Most important, adults can model and emphasize to children the importance of cooperation and helpfulness among people. Community Supports Social support helps people believe they are cared for, esteemed and valued, and that they belong to and are important members of the community.