Cincinnati Children's Helps Children Cope with Possibility of War
CINCINNATI -- Dan Nelson, MD, child psychiatrist, and Lynne Merk, PhD, psychologist, both of Cincinnati Children's Hospital Medical Center, are experienced experts in discussing how to talk with your child during war and terrorism.
Try as you might to be the best parent you can, our complex world challenges you every day with disturbing issues that are difficult for children to understand and for parents to explain. Terrorism and the threat of war can make our children feel frightened, unsafe and insecure.
Repetitious news images can result in nightmares, separation anxieties or other long-lasting fears. In addition, children are exposed to these issues at increasingly earlier ages, often before they are ready to understand all aspects of these complicated situations.
News can shape and create a child's view of the world as a cruel and dangerous place. It's important, therefore, that parents and other caring adults are ready to address their children's concerns in a healthy and appropriate manner.
Drs. Nelson and Merk both discuss:
- the importance of maintaining structure and a regular routine
- how to manage information
- the importance of listening to and talking to your children
- how to determine whether further intervention is needed
Dr. Nelson is a recognized authority in counseling children and families who have experienced trauma -- from natural and man-made disasters to abuse. After the September 11th attacks in New York City, Nelson, along with other psychiatrists and psychologists, provided assistance to many victims' families.
In addition, Dr. Nelson supervised the Family Notification Center after the Oklahoma City bombing, which he designed to provide comprehensive psychological support to minimize the effects of trauma in that city. Nelson, who directs the inpatient child psychiatric unit at Cincinnati Children's, also provides training and education in response to trauma. In 1999, he worked with teachers and counselors following a tornado that killed four people in the Cincinnati area and destroyed dozens of homes.
Dr. Merk is a native of Cincinnati who has been providing psychological services to children, adults, and families since 1996. Dr. Merk's experience and training is broad. Her current work at Cincinnati Children's includes pediatric psychology and child clinical psychology for a wide range of mental health issues.
Dr. Merk is community and family focused in her approach to treating children -- consulting with other professionals / agencies who are working with the child and/or locating additional community resources for patients and families. Dr. Merk is the wife of a lieutenant in the National Guard and is part of the National Guard support group.
Contact Information
Amy Caruso, 513-636-5637,
amy.caruso@cchmc.org
