Talking to children about their perceptions, fears and anxieties surrounding the events of September 11 and their aftermath will help them adapt to what has happened. Although they may not be expressing their concerns outright, children of any age may still be feeling confusion - even five months on - and picking up adults’ worries not only about what has happened, but what the future holds in store.

Even young children can have meaningful discussions about death. It is the opportunities children have to talk about such issues with adults, rather than their ability to understand death, that helps to contain their fears and allows them to move on.

Psychologists suggest that the best approach is two-pronged: a combination of “onion layers” and the “needlework quilt”.

The first involves revisiting the subject from different angles at frequent intervals. The quilt approach consists of embroidering the information into understandings that the child already has. The important thing is to exploit opportunities to introduce the subject into discussions when it is appropriate and when you feel there is a need.

Lorraine Sherr, Reader in Clinical and Health Psychology at Royal Free and University College Medical School, writing in The Psychologist, November 2001, Volume 14, Number 11