In early January the nonprofit institute put together a stress-management workbook for kids. “My Desert Storm Workbook” is now being distributed nationally through Workman Publishing. Proceeds from the $5.95 book will go to the American Red Cross and the institute.
Even before the fighting started, McNaught says, her group was flooded with calls from military family support groups as well as other parents and school officials; Workman says it already has orders for 120,000 copies. The institute normally runs therapy sessions for children whose parents have died or divorced, but since Jan. 16, war anxiety has been at the top of its agenda.
The workbook exercises are aimed at drawing out children’s fears. For example, one page has eight circles. Kids are supposed to draw faces in them that reflect their emotions about the war. On another page, youngsters draw two self-portraits - one showing how they look on the outside and the other, how they look on the inside. McNaught says the exercises should also let kids know that their opinions matter. That’s why she included blank form letters kids can send to President Bush and Saddam Hussein. Says McNaught: “It’s emotional first aid for children.”
