SUPPORTING CHILDREN AFTER A NATURAL DISASTER
Supporting children’s mental health after natural disasters:
Whilst most children are resilient and will return to normal routines after natural disasters, below are some ways to help support children in this process as we return to normalcy.
- Talk about it. Children may have unreasonable beliefs about the disaster. Talking them through it when they’re ready and having them recall what they experienced can help children make sense of an upsetting and confusing situation. You can fill in the blanks where you are able. Expression through art, music or play can also allow your child to make sense of stressful events.
- Explain what happened. Children will know that something significant has happened. Ask your child what they want to know and what they already know. Provide simple and honest answers whilst reassuring that they are safe. Remind your child they are able to ask you questions if they think of them and, if you don’t know the answers, be honest that you don’t know.
- Limit media. Consider avoiding media regarding natural disasters if your child is likely to become upset. Exposure to excessive and recurring coverage of the disaster may increase stress in your family.
- Reflect your child’s feelings if they share them with you or provide them with language to describe this. Allow your child to express what they are feeling without judgement. Sometimes simply listening without providing solutions straight away can have a big impact.
- Highlight the helpers. Reassure your child that when bad things happen there are always people to help. Show examples of the community helping one another and the support that others always offer in times of crisis.
- Going back to regular routines as much as possible can allow children a sense of stability and control after an event where this was not possible.
- Offer your child opportunities to gain back some control over the situation if they express feelings of helplessness. For example, they may want to check-in with relatives who were impacted, help with clean ups or volunteer. Going through a storm preparedness plan may also help prevent feelings of helplessness.
- When to seek professional help. Some short-term, typical reactions for primary school aged children immediately after natural disasters may include increased anxiety to historical or new fears, anger and frustration, acting out, withdrawal, less interest in playing, trouble sleeping and difficulty concentrating. However, if you see a consistent and lasting change in behaviour, mood, grades, social life, or hobbies over a month or more, it may be worth considering additional support via a chat with your GP
Qld Gov. resources to help families cope with and recover from natural disasters:
Supporting children and teenagers during natural disasters
ParentLine can also provide free, confidential parenting advice 24/7
Kids Helpline is also available for free, confidential counselling for children on 1800 55 1800