What is happening to our children? Joshua used to be such a happy child with a quick laugh and an infectious smile. Recently his parents have noticed a change in him. He seems withdrawn and moody, and he fights more often with his sister. He just doesn't seem like himself anymore.

Ming is afraid to fall asleep at night. She always has a reason to get out of bed. She needs another drink of water or another story, another light in the room or another blanket. Each night, after the third or fourth request, her exhausted mom lets Ming get in bed with her. It has gotten so that Ming can't fall asleep at night unless she is right next to her mother. Besides these evening disruptions are making both of them exhausted, and Ming's mother is concerned about her daughter.

Amanda used to be an excellent student. Now she seems flighty and unconcerned with her schoolwork. She often comes to class unprepared and she constantly daydreams when she is asked to answer a question. Her teacher is worried. At a recent conference she talked to Amanda's parents and there is nothing unusual going on at home. Both her parents and her teacher are puzzled.

A Simple Answer to a Seemingly Complicated Problem
Joshua and Ming and Amanda are children who are suffering from apprehension. It's common for children to shows symptoms of anxiety in various ways, which vary from child to child. Joshua is depressed, Ming is anxious, and Amanda is unable to concentrate and acting irresponsibly-all classic signs of stress in children. Since all of these children have concerned parents and seemingly normal amounts of stress in their lives, what could be causing them so much turmoil? One doesn't have to look far to see the cause-the constant overwhelming information overload about war and potential terrorism is affecting their lives.

War Is Not Healthy for Children
While this expression might be considered by some to be a relic from the Vietnam War era, most people agree with its heartfelt sentiment. It has been proven the fear of war and constant exposure to heightened concerns about terrorism increase anxiety and stress. In a recent article in Newsweek Magazine entitled, "Our Bodies, Our Fear," Los Angeles-based psychiatrist, Carole Lieberman, says, "Children are especially vulnerable to fear and anxiety. I'm seeing a lot of regressive behavior...kids who are afraid to go to sleep, to go to school, and these emotional experiences have deeper effects on their still developing brains."

What to Watch For
How can you help your child cope? First, watch for these classic signs of stress in your child.
* Depression and/or apathy
* Aggression and/or an increase in argumentative behavior
* Fear of going to sleep, going to school, or being separated from you
* Stomachaches, headaches, dramatic changes in eating habits, and increased illness

What to Do
To calm your child's apprehension about impending war and the threat of terrorism there are several easy remedies that have almost immediate results. Consider these: