INDIANAPOLIS - As families across the country face losses of nest eggs, homes
or jobs, their young children and teens need emotional support.
Child psychologist Michele C. Thorne, Ph.D., clinical director of the Consult
Liaison Service at Riley Hospital for Children and assistant professor of clinical
psychology at the Indiana University School of Medicine, says that parents should
recognize that even newborn babies pick up on the emotional tones of adult stress.
She says children of any age, including teens, need to be reassured that they are
safe and will be cared for no matter how the family is faring.
Children, especially those prone to anxiety, will jump to conclusions and worry.
Dr. Thorne says that if upheaval is occurring or is feared, it is better for children
and teens to be prepared.
"Parents need to talk with their children and teens because they need time to adjust
to changes. But parents also should censor what they say and shouldn't burden their
children with adult worries and concerns," she said.
That's because children aren't ready to be saddled with adult burdens. The frontal
lobe, the part of the brain that handles planning, attention, concentration, and
reasoning isn't fully developed until late adolescence or early adulthood. Or as Dr.
Thorne puts it, the main onboard computer which directs how an individual makes
decisions isn't fully programmed in children and teens.
She recommends weekly family meetings, especially when a family is going
through a difficult time. For example, parents might say that Dad will be home
more often because he isn't working and that he will need to use the computer
because it helps him locate job leads or keep up with financial markets.
"It's best to talk with your children about what is going on and to explain the
family's strategies for dealing with it," she said.
While parents want their children to know that they can ask questions or offer
suggestions she counsels against involving children in decisions such as whether to
move or how to handle situations outside their spheres of influence.
"You don't want to make your child or teen think you don't appreciate their advice
so it's best not to solicit their opinions on things which they are unqualified to make
a decision," she said.
As media headlines carry daily updates on the global economic crisis and broadcast
news of possible recession, children and teens may be facing an information
overload even if not directly affected. Dr. Thorne suggests that parents investigate
what is being presented in their children's classrooms for guidance on discussions
at home.
If a child appears to be having trouble coping with stress or appears anxious,
parents should consult with the child's pediatrician or community mental health
services or school counselor. Parents should also make sure they have their own
emotional supports in place, which will provide them with the ability to best help
their children.
Dr. Thorne's research focuses on the relationship between psychological thriving
and coping processes during major life transitions.
About Riley Hospital for Children As Indiana's first and only comprehensive hospital dedicated exclusively
to the care of children, Riley Hospital for Children, a part of Clarian Health, has provided compassionate care,
support and comfort to children and their families for 80 years. Each year Riley serves over 160,000 inpatients and outpatients from across Indiana, the nation and the world. Riley Hospital's partnership with Clarian Health and its strong affiliation with the Indiana University School of Medicine make it the only comprehensive clinical resource for Indiana's children and the premiere source for health related information for their parents.
From simple care associated with the health and wellness of children and less complex specialty care to the
most critically-ill and medically complex cases, Riley Hospital for Children is the leader for pediatric care in
the state and the region. In 2004, Clarian became Indiana's first magnet hospital system. Clarian Health
Partners, Inc. operates the Methodist Hospital, Indiana University Hospital and Riley Hospital campuses as a
single hospital under Indiana law.
CONTACT: Cindy Fox Aisen
317-274-7722
caisen@iupui.edu
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