Protecting Children From the Media's Storm Coverage I've written, with a Pollyanna tone that probably made anyone somehow reading on Day 4 without power want to kick me, that the children who rode out Hurricane Sandy safely, without any loss of loved ones or pets, will come out of this in the long run with more memories than fears. Children are resilient; they find fun in unexpected places. Many adults look back on storms they weathered as children fondly, remembering the excitement of interrupted routine and the sense of families and communities pulling together rather than expensive damage and endangered livelihoods. Share your memories of storms past here. But Hurricane Sandy's impact is far from receding into memory, and the media coverage of the storm and its aftermath is intense. Many of us are watching (and listening), and it's important to note that our children may be watching as well. New York City's Department of Health and Mental Hygiene Web site has a great pdf, Protecting Children from Disturbing Media Reports During Traumatic Events, which reminds us that children understand what they see on television (and, to a lesser extent, what they hear on the radio) differently from adults. Some highlights: Children 6 and younger believe what they see on television is happening right then, live, as they're watching it, and may think a traumatic event is happening over and over. They, and children 7-12, find images of people crying or suffering upsetting. Children 7 and up, including teenagers, can see such images and become deeply worried or anxious about their own family's safety and future. The city's experts suggest limiting children's exposure to disturbing media (including newspaper images). Watch or read what they do see with them, and take time to explain what's happening-and do explain that although the images are shown repeatedly, the event itself happened only once. The document also points out, kindly and correctly, that limiting adult exposure to disturbing stories can help us to cope with these events, too. The city also offers Tips on Taking Care of Your Family During Stressful Events (PDF). Involve all family members in coping, they suggest. Take time to maintain family routines as much as possible, give and ask for support, and take time to do fun things together. Care especially for children and older relatives, but don't forget to take time to care for yourself.