CHILDREN

Impact of Disasters on Children
Children respond to a flood or other disaster in many different ways. Some may have reactions soon after the event; others may seem to be doing fine for weeks or months, and then begin to show worrisome behavior. The child's age and developmental level, current physical and mental health, and past experiences all influence how a child will react to disasters. Some children will show a greater degree of resilience and some children will require greater support.

The experiences children have as a result of a disaster depend on the kind of disaster it was, whether there was forewarning and time to prepare, the extent of the impact on the community, and how much direct exposure the children or their families might have had. However, there are two basic kinds of experiences that children who live through a disaster have: (1) the trauma of the disaster event itself; and (2) the changes and disruption in day-to-day living caused by the disaster.

Some children may have sought shelter or prepared for the flood but wasn't directly impacted by the disaster. These children may still feel fear and anxiety. Some children may have had homes, schools, child care programs, and communities that were damaged. Adults who cared for them may no longer be able to provide care because of damage to their own homes and businesses. Even if children's basic physical needs are being met, experiencing multiple life changes will cause children to feel emotional distress.

Life might not have quickly returned to normal following the flood. There may be changes in living conditions that have caused changes in day-to-day activities - including strains in the relationships between family members or between friends, changes in expectations that family members have for each other (along with changes in responsibilities). These disruptions in relationships, roles, and routines can make life unfamiliar or unpredictable, which can be unsettling or sometimes frightening for children.

How families can help children cope with fears and anxiety
Listening and talking to children about their concerns can reassure them that they will be safe. Start by encouraging them to discuss how they have been affected by what is happening around them. Even young children may have specific questions about tragedies. Children react to stress at their own developmental level.

• Encourage children to ask questions. Listen to what they say. Provide comfort and assurance that address their specific fears. It's okay to admit you can't answer all of their questions.
• Talk on their level. Communicate with your children in a way they can understand. Don't get too technical or complicated.
• Find out what frightens them. Encourage your children to talk about fears they may have. They may worry that someone will harm them at school or that someone will try to hurt you.
• Focus on the positive. Reinforce the fact that most people are kind and caring. Remind your child of the heroic actions taken by ordinary people to help victims of a disaster.
• Pay attention. Your children's play and drawings may give you a glimpse into their questions or concerns. Ask them to tell you what is going on in the game or the picture. It's an opportunity to clarify any misconceptions, answer questions, and provide reassurance.
• Develop a plan. Establish a family emergency plan for the future, such as a meeting place where everyone should gather if something unexpected happens in your family or neighborhood. It can help you and your children feel safer.
• If you are concerned about your child's reaction to stress or trauma, call your physician or a community mental health center.

Tips for talking to children after the flood.

• Don't be afraid to admit that you can't answer all their questions.
• Answer questions at a level the child can understand.
• Provide ongoing opportunities for children to talk. They will probably have more questions as time goes on.
• Use this as an opportunity to establish a family emergency plan. Feeling that there is something you can do may be very comforting to both children and adults.
• Allow children to discuss other fears and concerns about unrelated issues. This is a good opportunity to explore these issues also.
• Help children understand that there is a wide range of strong reactions that are normal. Encourage children to express their feelings to adults (including teachers and parents) who can help them understand their sometimes strong and troubling emotions.
• Try not to focus on blame.
• In addition to the tragic things they see, help children identify good things, such as heroic actions, families who are grateful for being reunited, and the assistance offered by people throughout the country and the world.

For children closer to the disaster area, more active interventions may be required.

• The family as a unit might consider counseling. Disasters often reawaken a child's fear of loss of parents (frequently their greatest fear) at a time when parents may be preoccupied with their own practical and emotional difficulties.
• Families may choose to permit temporary regressive behavior. Several arrangements may help children separate gradually after the agreed-upon time limit: spending extra time with parents immediately before bedtime, leaving the child's bedroom door slightly ajar, and using a nightlight.
• Many parents have their own fears of leaving a child alone after a disaster or other fears they may be unable to acknowledge. Parents often are more able to seek help on the children's behalf and may, in fact, use the children's problems as a way of asking for help for themselves and other family members.
• Teachers also can help children with similar art and play activities, as well as by encouraging group discussions in the classroom and informational presentations about the disaster.

RESOURCES

Helping Children and Adolescents Deal with Grief
Understanding Child Traumatic Stress
Infant Nutrition During a Disaster
Talk to Children about Crisis Events: What to do Before, During or After a Crisis
The Impact of Invisible Injuries: Helping Your Family and Children

PARENTS AND PROFESSIONALS
This Web site teaches children how to create an emergency kit, make an emergency plan and learn about emergency preparedness through interactive games. It also includes a section for parents and teachers.
http://www.ready.gov/kids/home.html

Sesame Workshop, along with its project partners has created Let's Get Ready! Planning Together for Emergencies with tips, activities, and other easy tools to help the whole family prepare for emergencies together.
http://www.sesamestreet.org/ready

Psychological First Aid for Parents and Teachers
Storm/Flood Activity Book with Parent Guide
Tips for Talking to Children after a Disaster, A Guide for Parents and Teachers
Tips in a Time of Economic Crisis, "Talking Dollars and Sense with Your Children"