Last updated on August 4th, 2022 at 03:21 pm

Many of us here at Boiron, as well as our extended family and friends, were personally touched by the tragic events that unfolded on September 11, 2001, as were so many of you. And for those of us who experienced 9/11, whether up close or on television, the 10-year anniversary being observed this Sunday is sure to spark new conversations and stir up old emotions. We encourage you to let those conversations happen—there is undoubtedly a strong connection between the mind and body when it comes to overall wellness. And since it’s very likely that children will be exposed to much media coverage in the coming days, we’re sharing these tips from 911memorial.org below to help open the lines of communication between your family members:

– Actively listen to your children’s thoughts, attend to their body language, validate their emotions, and encourage respectful conversation and discussions.

– Don’t avoid difficult conversations. Invite the conversations with open-ended questions, use age-appropriate language, and let the child’s interests and thoughts guide the conversation.

– Answer questions about the attacks with basic facts, and acknowledge that we don’t have all the answers.

– Monitor the TV and internet. Be actively involved in the quality and amount of information your child receives over the next week.

We agree with medical experts who say it is important to let your children know they can talk to you about that day, ask questions, and share their emotions. Need a little help?  The American Psychological Association (APA) in partnership with Nickelodeon, offers the Nick News With Linda Ellerbee special, “What Happened? The Story of September 11, 2001.” This video was created to help guide the conversation between parents and their children and is available on iTunes as a free podcast and at www.nicknews.com. The special, along with an online discussion guide, helps parents, educators and caregivers talk to kids, especially those ages 6 to 14, about this important event in our nation’s history. The APA recommends TEACH—Talk, Express, Act, Connect, Help—as a way to encourage discussion and help our children feel safe.

The APA also encourages families to take action and become part of the solution by participating in community service projects and other commemorative events to honor the victims of 9/11. Click here for information on visiting The National September 11 Memorial Museum at the World Trade Center that opens on Monday, Sept. 12, as well as other memorial events. How do you plan to observe 9/11? Please share in the comments below or on our Facebook page.