Helping Children Cope
Disasters can leave children feeling frightened, confused, and insecure. Whether a child has personally experienced trauma, has merely seen the event on television or has heard it discussed by adults, it is important for parents and teachers to be informed and ready to help if reactions to stress begin to occur.
Children may respond to disaster by demonstrating fears, sadness or behavioral problems. Younger children may return to earlier behavior patterns, such as bedwetting, sleep problems and separation anxiety. Older children may also display anger, aggression, school problems or withdrawal.
Steps to Comfort:
- Reassure family members who many be worried about their safety and about the future.
- Take time to talk about events.
- Listen to each family member.
- Help your community be fair, accepting, and understanding.