Helping children cope during an emergency or crisis
An emergency, crisis or natural disaster are all extraordinary events that can be especially frightening and challenging for children who may not understand or make sense of what has happened.
These experiences can also continue to affect a child’s emotions, thoughts and behaviour after the event is over.
To help support children’s mental wellbeing during or following a crisis or emergency event, try these tips:
Let them know it’s okay to feel upset
It’s normal for children to experience a range of strong emotions in response to a crisis or emergency, even if they are not directly impacted. Offer extra support where you can and help them feel safe and supported by letting them know you’re available to talk or be with them whenever they need.
Routines can provide structure and comfort
Even if your situation looks a little different right now, try to stick to a routine as best you can. Aim for regular meal times and bedtimes wherever possible. Try to make time to be together, so you can check in with children and offer support if you notice they are having trouble. Let them know it’s normal to find sticking to things difficult when it feels like things have changed. Working to keep things feeling as familiar as possible will help you both to feel safe and calm.
Reassure them that the world might feel different right now, but it’s not forever
Let them know this event is an unusual situation and that it’s ok that the world around them might feel different at the moment. Let them know that changes like seeing others upset or not going to school or sleeping in their normal bed is temporary. It can be helpful to let children know that there are people working hard to help and support things to go back to normal when they can.
Check in and listen often
Feelings such as anxiety, worry and sadness might feel particularly ‘big’ or overwhelming for children. These feelings usually pass after a short time, especially if children feel like they are listened to and acknowledged. Whilst you may not be able to solve a problem or take away negative feelings, it can be helpful for children to know that you are available to listen and will be with them.
Limit exposure to news and social media
Especially for younger children, news coverage or distressing footage or photos of an emergency event or crisis can be confronting and difficult to understand. Where possible, consider trying to limit exposure. Where children do see news coverage, talk to children about what they saw and how they feel. Try to provide a different side to the story by sharing good stories from the response and ways people are helping others.
Answer any questions using facts and in general terms
Sharing facts about an event can help children understand what has happened and provide reassurance that they aren’t responsible and they are not to blame. This will help children to process the event.
Don’t beat yourself up if you get upset or are distressed
Feeling a range of emotions such as anger, sadness, worry, or anxiety or feeling overwhelmed or preoccupied are all normal responses to an emergency or crisis. It’s okay to let children know how you’re feeling. Let them know you are doing your best, reassure them they are loved and safe.
Keep up your play dates
Whenever you and your child are ready, encourage them to get back to play dates and seeing their friends. If possible, encourage them to connect and play with other kids. This will help them engage in positive activities they enjoy again. Let them know you can stay for as long as feels ok for them – you can always make the catch ups shorter if you need.
Reach out for support if you need
Keep an eye out for any changes in yourself or your kids that worry you and reach out if you need some extra support. Help is available.