Thoughts for the Week:

There are two ways that we can be helpful to children when they face something new and difficult. The first is to let them know what to expect. When children know ahead of time what's going to happen -- and not happen -- they can prepare themselves for what's coming. They can think about it and get used to their feelings about it.

The second way we can be helpful is by encouraging children to play about these events -- both before and afterwards. Playing can give children a sense of control over scary feelings.