Choosing Courage in a Climate of Fear

In the book, Beginnings Workshop: Child Development, Jeffrey Perkins writes about choosing courage in a climate of fear. He explains, “Sometimes our first response is to tell children that they don’t have to worry about something that concerns them. We have to ask ourselves if our own fear is getting in the way. Help your staff and parents respect children’s fears.”

And in Beginnings Workshop: Child Development II, Victor LaCerva provides supportive ideas for helping children deal with the adverse effects of witnessing violence. For example, he writes:

“For improved chances of recovery, children exposed to violence require close relationships with caring adults; consistent and reliable child care routines, and safe, familiar environments.”

Editor’s note: On a personal level, I truly wish this information wasn’t needed, but in today’s world it is unfortunately even more relevant than when the books were written a few years ago.

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