PBS show to help
kids with tragedy

To help parents and children cope with the tragedy our nation is going through, KHET/

PBS will air "Talking with Kids About Terrorism and Violence," 7:30 p.m. today with a repeat showing at 1 p.m. tomorrow.

The show emphasizes that parents, teachers and other adults must respond appropriately to children.

David Walsh, psychologist and president of the National Institute on Media and the Family in Minneapolis, will be featured on the show. Walsh has also written seven books on children and parenting.

Here are some of his tips to help children with fear:

>> Simultaneously acknowledge their fear while reassuring them.

>> Take your cues from the child. Don't assume they are more afraid than they may be. Conversely, don't assume that they are unaware of what has happened.

>> Take their fears seriously. Don't try to talk them out of it.

>> Respond calmly. Don't exaggerate their fears by using extreme language or by overreacting.

>> Answer their questions directly, but don't give them more information than they are asking for or that they need.

>> Provide physical reassurance with lots of hugs and touching.

>> Make sure they know that it's OK to ask questions.

>> Manage the media diet of coverage according to their age.

For babies and toddlers, try to shield them from media reports as much as possible.

Preschoolers should not be allowed to watch continuous scary news reports.

Limit TV coverage for school-age children, explaining what happened without exaggerating or overreacting. Acknowledge that something very scary has happened, and reassure them that they are safe.

High-schoolers may be glued to the TV. It is important to be honest with them and let them know what is going on.

>> Remind children of other national tragedies (the bombing of Pearl Harbor and the Challenger Space Shuttle explosion), and explain that life goes on and the United States does overcome these tragedies.

These tips plus more can be found on PBS's Web site at www.pbs.org.

KHET/PBS will also air other shows in response to Tuesday's attack. "America Responds" is scheduled to air 9 p.m. today, and "After the Attacks: Our Financial Future" will follow at 10 p.m. "After the Attacks: Our Financial Future" will have a repeat showing at 5 p.m. tomorrow.

Take a bow wow WOW

OK, we've already pointed out that just about everyone in Hawaii wants to be a star, but everyone and his dog?

If your pooch longs for the limelight, Diamond Head Theatre may be his/her big break. The company is looking for a golden-colored, mild-mannered, show business-inclined canine to play the part of Sandy in "Annie," with auditions to be held 1:30 to 3 p.m. Sept. 22 on the DHT Garden Lanai.

"Sandy" may be a mixed or purebred dog with medium build and calm disposition (since exposed to a live orchestra and applause on show nights), who is good with children, well trained (to move on command) and available for all rehearsals and performances. The owner and/or guardian will be required to attend all rehearsal and performance sessions. (Don't ruin it for Rover, man!)

"Annie" will be presented Nov. 30 to Dec. 16. Auditions for the "human" cast will be held at 7 p.m. Sept. 28 (adults) and 2 p.m. Sept. 29 and 30 (children).

For details, call 733-0277.

'Build New or Re-Do'

New roofing technology and hurricane proofing, and guidelines on financing construction of a new home or remodeling project will be the topics of the September "Build New or Re-Do" seminar at Sam Choy's Diamond Head Restaurant Tuesday, 6 to 8 p.m.

The free seminar is presented by Marshall Hickox of Homeworks Construction, John Creson of Tropical Roofing and Raingutters, architect Paul Remington, Derek Cheng and Mark James of American Savings Bank, and Al Lum of Viking Appliances.

From 6:45 to 8 p.m., speakers will be available to meet with guests one-on-one to discuss i projects. Guests are invited to bring along plans for review.

The restaurant is at 449 Kapahulu Ave. For reservations, call 545-2777.

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