Stark-Billings County

 

May 27, 2009

 

Assist Children in Coping with Disasters

Summer brings many changes in the weather that can result in disasters. These can include tornados, lightning, floods, etc. Coping with these natural disasters can be difficult for young children and their families. Children may be frightened by these disasters or be upset by disruptions that the disaster might cause in their daily routines or their relationships with their parents, friends and others in their life. Parents and caregivers need to be aware of possible changes in a childs behavior that can signal signs or symptoms of distress or discomfort.

Children of all ages, especially young children, may feel vulnerable, as they dont understand what is happening and have trouble communicating how they feel. Some children may be afraid of the disaster happening again, or they will become anxious when there is rain, storms, sirens or other reminders.

Some changes in behavior that you may see in your children are that they may become upset or cry easily, get angry or act out, become restless or have difficulty paying attention. Some children will become quiet and withdrawn, while others cant stop talking about the experience. Such changes in behavior are common in children and are natural responses to stress. These symptoms may last for weeks or months, but should diminish over time.

To help your children cope, follow these tips:

	Keep your children informed, support them emotionally and get them involved in your family's efforts to prepare for or recover from a disaster. Pulling together as a team will strengthen your family in the long run.
	Make time to comfort and reassure your children, A gently hug, reassuring word, or just a few moments spent together may be all that is needed for your children to feel safe and secure.
	Speak simply and honestly about the situation. Use simple words to explain to your children what is happening. Be honest, if you dont know the answer, tell them that you will try to find the answer.
	Help young children understand the disaster. You can explain how tornados, storms or floods happen and that they don't necessarily happen often but they are part of nature. Sometimes children think and feel that they are the cause of the disaster, reassure them that they are not responsible for what happened.
	Reinforce the idea that the family is safe. Young children can have difficulty understanding complex situations, so they exaggerate their normal fears.
	Whenever possible, maintain routines or rituals of comfort. Dinnertime at the kitchen table or a story or a favorite teddy bear at bedtime can give the feeling of security and that everything will be alright.
	Talk with your children about how you feel and suggest a positive response, an example would be to say something like, "I feel very sad about leaving home. That is why I am crying. Come and give me a hug." This gives your children a part in the family response to what has happened.
	Give your children the right words to say, some children do not know the words of acceptance to your children's feelings and experiences. Say something similar to "Yes, Tommy. It's okay to cry. Fluffy or Spot (the family pet) will come back to our house when we return. For now, Uncle Mark and Aunt Jill will take good care of her." Be a good listener and support your childrens feelings.
	Give your children something productive to do that is appropriate for their age and let them know you appreciate their efforts to help. Do not give them more responsibilities then can be handled, as your children still need time to be children to play and be with friends.
	Be a model of courage, determination, coping and support for your children. Saying "Mom and Dad were up all night putting sandbags around the house. Our neighbors are doing the same and we are all working together." Sharing ways that you use to cope can help build their coping skills. An example is to say "When I feel sad I think of the good times we have had and remind myself that things will be better soon."
	Take time to keep yourself calm and "together", as you will be able to provide more support to your family if you do.

If you are concerned about your children showing symptoms that severe or that last too long, seek professional advice from your medical provider or local mental health agency.