SPW: How do children and teens usually internalize what is happening around them in terms of violence and fear?
Most children are excellent in adapting. Some say it's because they may not know how to process it, so they just accept it and move on. Teens, on the other hand, are able to process more so they may internalize violence and fear as their reality. They may not know of any other way of looking at things because it's what they're accustomed to. With violence and fear, the issues will arrive once children realize that it's not their reality, but the unfortunate situation that they're forced into. Once children recognize this, they feel that they should no longer be in fear or witness violence because they don't have to anymore (we call this, empowerment). Frustration comes when children aren't able to escape this without adult intervention. As adults, we have to not just educate children about violence and fear, but give them safe havens so that they can be at peace (even if it's temporary).
Brian Apollo is a lead psychologist for the Chicago Public School System, and the author of two books: Spirituality Uncut, and 'Heart to Heart: Real Talk. Both are available on Amazon.com
To hear the complete interview with Brian Apollo, click here: http://www.blogtalkradio.com/bold-movers-radio/2014/08/16/bold-moving-with-michele-aikens