MUNCIE, Ind. - Ball State University counselors are urging parents to quickly begin assessing how their children may handle the first anniversary of the Sept. 11 terrorist attacks.

Counselors anticipate children of all ages will need parental guidance when the media replays video of jets hijacked by terrorists crashing into the World Trade Center and the Pentagon.

"First anniversaries can be quite traumatic," said Sharon Bowman, chair of Ball State's Department of Counseling Psychology. "Some children will relive the event. Seeing photos or television news shows of the event may bring back bad memories and fears."

When in the company of youngsters, parents and other adults should remain calm when viewing the horrific images of last Sept. 11, Bowman said.

"Even children as young as three will know something is happening if parents get upset," she said. "We won't have a nation of freaked out kids if parents remain level headed."

The level of parental support may depend on the age of and developmental level of the child, said Theresa Kruczek, counseling psychology professor.

"Providing opportunities for them to address their feelings and experiences over the last year and as the anniversary approaches will be important," Kruczek said. "Remembrance rituals are often a good way to help children express themselves and manage the anxiety associated with traumatic anniversaries."

Bowman urges parents to honestly answer all questions posed by children.

"If a child wants to talk about it, talk about it and then let it go," she said. "Just remember that children do not comprehend things the same way as an adult. You need to talk to them in a way that makes sense to them.

"Some children will ask about death, but don't understand it. Telling them that death is like going to sleep may scare them about sleeping."

(NOTE TO EDITORS: For more information, contact Bowman at sbowman@bsu.edu or (765) 285-8040, or Kruczek at tkruczek@bsu.edu or (765) 285-8040.)