Natural disaster preparedness and aftermath: How to help kids cope with their emotions – Vox.com
Posted: July 1, 2024 at 2:34 am
Its a disconcerting but unmistakable fact that in an age of climate change-related natural disasters, parents may now find themselves fielding more questions from their children about wildfires, tornadoes, extreme heat, and hurricanes and facing the prospect of guiding their kids through an emergency.
Given all the stressors families face on a daily basis, discussing and planning for such extreme events often falls by the wayside. We know by the data that many Americans live in the moment, and theres so much on familys plates that it's hard to remember to think about something in the future, says Melissa Brymer, the director of terrorism and disaster programs for the UCLA-Duke University National Center for Child Traumatic Stress.
Thinking about the possibility of a natural disaster impacting your family can be overwhelming, so it makes sense that you would want to avoid it. But having a plan in place that keeps your kids needs in mind in case an extreme weather event does occur is crucial. Even if you dont live in a part of the country prone to these events, climate-related disasters are striking everywhere and with greater frequency. Preparedness logistically, physically, and emotionally is more important than ever.
Broaching the topic doesnt need to be distressing, experts say. Rather, its possible to talk honestly about the potential of a climate event while still allaying kids anxieties and giving them space to discuss their emotions. Despite how stressful it can seem, there are also strategies to help your kids cope if your family is affected by a natural disaster.
Parents understandably want to protect their children from unpleasant emotions, but try not to minimize the likelihood of a natural disaster, says Caroline Hickman, a climate-aware psychotherapist who focuses on eco-anxiety in children and young people. You dont want to frighten your child, but you do want them to be prepared in case there is an emergency.
Consider the chance of certain extreme weather events where you live and give them age-appropriate guidance on how your family would stay safe, says American Academy of Pediatrics spokesperson David Schonfeld, the director of the National Center for School Crisis and Bereavement. Younger kids respond well to storytelling, Hickman says, while older kids might roll their eyes and resist. But you have to be very firm with them and say, Look, I get it. Im annoying. You dont want to talk about it right now, but we are going to talk about it sometime this week, she says.
You might say to a younger child, Were entering into a season where we could get storms that bring a lot of rain and wind. But we will listen to the weather forecast and go to a place where the rain and wind arent as strong if we need to so we can stay safe. You could also take this opportunity to explain the concept of a go bag a backpack with essentials in the event you need to evacuate and ask them what they might pack in it, like a favorite toy. The US Department of Homeland Security offers free extreme weather preparedness resources for children and families.
I dont think the goal is just to let them know bad things can happen because thats just frightening. It isnt helpful, Schonfeld says. It is helpful if you can give them practical information about what they can do to decrease the risks and keep themselves and those they care about safe.
It can be helpful to ask kids, especially those in grade school, what they know about extreme weather events that occur where you live and how they feel about it, Hickman says. Chances are, they know as much as you do, if not more, she says, and children love teaching their parents things. This can give you an opportunity to correct them on any misinformation they may have read online or heard from friends.
Feelings come later when youre safe.
Let them know if they ever feel scared, anxious, or have any questions about natural disasters, youre here for them, says clinical psychologist Regine Galanti, author of Parenting Anxious Kids: Understanding Anxiety in Children by Age and Stage. Youll want to validate your childrens emotions without bringing in your own. Avoid statements like Im freaking out about this too, or You dont have to be scared. Instead try, Its gotten too hot in our house so we have to go somewhere else to cool off. I know its last minute and Im not happy about it either. Well talk about it more in the car.
Thats actually super invalidating when you tell a kid not to feel their feelings, Galanti says.
Reassure your children that they dont need to take on the responsibility of keeping the family safe. Remind them that they can relax knowing that you will tell them when its time to take action, says Chandra Ghosh Ippen, the associate director of the Child Trauma Research Program at the University of California, San Francisco and author of the Trinka and Sam book series developed to help families with young children cope after natural disasters.
If a natural disaster is imminent, explain to your kids any precautions you are currently taking, Schonfeld says. You might say, Theres a bad storm coming and were going to go to the basement for a little while because its safer there, or, Were tracking this fire. It might hit our area but because we have a plan, well be safe since we are going to stay at grandmas if it does.
Youll want to model effective emotional coping even if youre feeling anxious, says Schonfeld. That means sharing that you do have some unpleasant feelings and outlining what youre doing to cope with them. You could mention, for instance, how the flooding made you nervous, but you remembered all of the steps your family has taken to stay safe and how you feel more prepared.
Avoid watching constant news or media coverage on TV or online, both for your own mental health and for your childs peace of mind. Choose quality sources of news and only read or watch as much as you need to be informed about what steps to take next. Kids are observant and will pick up on their parents anxieties, even if they dont understand exactly why they are upset, Ghosh Ippen says. If you need to take a moment to break down, do so in private. Because for us to provide that support for our children, Ghosh Ippen says, we need to have a place where we can metabolize.
In the event of an evacuation, tell your kids you are going to a place where you are absolutely certain you will be safe, Ghosh Ippen says. It can be helpful to give children a task, says Hickman, such as grabbing their go bag and a book or putting their shoes on. You might also mention that your familys role is to get out of the way so emergency responders can do their jobs. Dont feel like you must unpack any of your kids emotions during the height of an emergency, Hickman says: Feelings come later when youre safe.
Should you shelter in place, explain why youre doing so, Brymer says. You could say, The weather is dangerous so you cant play outside and we need to sit in the basement until the storm passes, or, Its too hot to go to the park today so were going to do some arts and crafts inside where its cool. Distracting your kids from the ongoing extreme weather event can help pass the time, especially if youve lost power, Schonfeld says. Try singing songs, playing games, building a pillow fort, or reading books.
In the aftermath of a natural disaster, its important parents dont pretend it didnt happen, experts say. You can praise your children for being mature and playing their part, Hickman says. Be truthful with your children if you are unable to return home right away and if there are disruptions to school. You could say, We need to stay here longer than we thought because our house was damaged in the storm, but youre safe here. Were going to continue to stay together as a family.
Parents should try to facilitate conversations with their kids to discuss how they feel about the disaster. Kids can mask how theyre feeling, Hickman says. You need to repeatedly ask those questions, because if you just do it once, and think were done big mistake, Hickman says. You need to come back to it. On the surface, children may appear calm, but are struggling to cope with the event. Acknowledge that it might have been scary and ask them how theyre feeling now. Chances are that if your family was directly impacted by the extreme weather event, your kids might know another family that has been, too. We get a secondary trauma or a vicarious trauma, Hickman says, which makes having repeated conversations necessary.
You need to repeatedly ask those questions, because if you just do it once, and think were done big mistake.
Children are more likely to be upset over the loss of their routines, Hickman says, and parents should acknowledge their childs emotions. You can lead the conversation by mentioning, I feel sad were dealing with all of this. Im wondering how you feel about it?
You show them how to deal with the emotion, Hickman says. Youre not collapsed on the floor in a mess.
Acknowledge any damage to property, too. Resist the urge to tell your kids that you can buy more toys, Schonfeld says, and instead affirm that you know how important they were to them. Try to reframe a childs sadness over losing their backyard tree house, for instance, as a sign of how much love they had for it.
If school is canceled, you can facilitate ways for kids to connect with their friends, Brymer says, whether through coordinating a playdate, FaceTiming with the other childs parents, or making artwork your kid can give to their friends when they see each other again.
Common reactions children might have after a natural disaster include sleep problems, difficulty concentrating, and developmental regression, like bedwetting or thumb-sucking. Give your child grace to self-soothe in the service of healing, Schonfeld says, but encourage them to move forward. Your goal is to get them back to normal as quickly as you can, Galanti says. So what extra supports do I need to give my kid to get them back to their normal? You should seek out a mental health professional if your child is harming themselves or others or if behavioral problems persist.
Continue to acknowledge how you feel in the aftermath so your kids know its okay to discuss their emotions, Brymer says. However, your child could feel confident and secure that youve kept them safe and may not be affected by the natural disaster, Ghosh Ippen says.
Regardless of the extreme weather event or the extent of disruption to your family, experts stress the importance of acknowledgment: that the event occurred, that your child might be scared, that they might have lost a routine. Keep the lines of communication open and let kids know that theyre allowed to feel any range of emotions.
Youve read 1 article in the last month
Here at Vox, we believe in helping everyone understand our complicated world, so that we can all help to shape it. Our mission is to create clear, accessible journalism to empower understanding and action.
If you share our vision, please consider supporting our work by becoming a Vox Member. Your support ensures Vox a stable, independent source of funding to underpin our journalism. If you are not ready to become a Member, even small contributions are meaningful in supporting a sustainable model for journalism.
Thank you for being part of our community.
Swati Sharma
Vox Editor-in-Chief
We accept credit card, Apple Pay, and Google Pay. You can also contribute via
More:
Natural disaster preparedness and aftermath: How to help kids cope with their emotions - Vox.com
- Master Keys to Success Video [Last Updated On: June 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: June 20th, 2011]
- Barbara Marx Hubbard, Conscious Evolution [Last Updated On: August 10th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 10th, 2011]
- Self-Compassion: Why it's Important and How you Can Practice It [Last Updated On: November 5th, 2014] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2014]
- Self Improvement Quotes and Sayings [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- Self Development Courses, Personal Development Programs [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- Self Improvement: How To Self Help And Achieve The Future ... [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- Self Help Books & Self Improvement eBooks for Personal ... [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- Self-help - Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2015]
- Self Improvement - Pick the Brain | Motivation and Self ... [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2015]
- 42 Practical Ways To Improve Yourself - Lifehack [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2015]
- Useful Self Improvement Tips, Advice, Personal Development ... [Last Updated On: September 22nd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 22nd, 2015]
- Self-Improvement .com - your online life coach [Last Updated On: September 23rd, 2015] [Originally Added On: September 23rd, 2015]
- Brian Kim.net - Invest in Yourself and Make It Happen ... [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2015] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2015]
- Free Self Improvement Advice, Ideas and Tips [Last Updated On: November 1st, 2015] [Originally Added On: November 1st, 2015]
- Diet Mind Spirit - Body Mind, Spirit, Personal development ... [Last Updated On: January 22nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: January 22nd, 2016]
- Benjamin Franklin . Wit and Wisdom . Self Improvement | PBS [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2016]
- 101 Online Self Improvement Resources | PickTheBrain ... [Last Updated On: February 2nd, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 2nd, 2016]
- Dallas Orthodontics & Braces, FREE Exam | Apple Orthodontix [Last Updated On: February 19th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 19th, 2016]
- Ways to Improve [Last Updated On: February 27th, 2016] [Originally Added On: February 27th, 2016]
- Personal Development Club - The Self Improvement Coach [Last Updated On: March 4th, 2016] [Originally Added On: March 4th, 2016]
- MenProvement | Self Improvement For Men [Last Updated On: April 29th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 29th, 2016]
- Mind Power and Self Improvement Tips: Mind Cafe [Last Updated On: April 30th, 2016] [Originally Added On: April 30th, 2016]
- John Kreiter | Self-Improvement and Interesting Knowledge [Last Updated On: July 18th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 18th, 2016]
- HostBlast.Net - Low cost web hosting starting at $0.50 [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2016] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2016]
- Letter of Recommendation: Duolingo - New York Times [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- GET A LIFE: Quest for self-improvement shouldn't be stressful - Wicked Local Mattapoisett [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- Kieran McGeeney and the triumph of self-improvement - Irish Times [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- Bold Self Improvement [Last Updated On: July 30th, 2017] [Originally Added On: July 30th, 2017]
- How to Overcome Your Fear of Public Speaking: 12 Steps [Last Updated On: August 8th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 8th, 2017]
- When self-improvement is self-destruction: The 4 warning signs - Gears Of Biz [Last Updated On: August 13th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 13th, 2017]
- Self-improvement just a click away - The Star Online [Last Updated On: August 16th, 2017] [Originally Added On: August 16th, 2017]
- Finding your tribe - Claremore Daily Progress [Last Updated On: September 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: September 1st, 2017]
- Continuously Improve Yourself! r/selfimprovement - reddit [Last Updated On: October 15th, 2017] [Originally Added On: October 15th, 2017]
- Simple Technique for Self Improvement and Self Growth [Last Updated On: December 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: December 1st, 2017]
- Self-Improvement Tips for a Happy, Prosperous and ... [Last Updated On: December 1st, 2017] [Originally Added On: December 1st, 2017]
- Tony Robbins London 2018 UPW Tickets on Sale! [Last Updated On: December 2nd, 2017] [Originally Added On: December 2nd, 2017]
- How to Be Okay with Being You: 15 Steps (with Pictures ... [Last Updated On: December 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: December 14th, 2017]
- Nook Self Improvement Blog [Last Updated On: December 14th, 2017] [Originally Added On: December 14th, 2017]
- Self-Improvement Is Not Just For Young Guys Return Of Kings [Last Updated On: January 19th, 2018] [Originally Added On: January 19th, 2018]
- Self-Improvement - Free Books at EBD - E-Books Directory [Last Updated On: March 1st, 2018] [Originally Added On: March 1st, 2018]
- Self improvement versus God improvement | Christianity and ... [Last Updated On: March 7th, 2018] [Originally Added On: March 7th, 2018]
- What is Self Improvement? [Last Updated On: March 11th, 2018] [Originally Added On: March 11th, 2018]
- 11 Easy Ways to Finally Overcome Your Fear of Public ... [Last Updated On: March 15th, 2018] [Originally Added On: March 15th, 2018]
- 5 Outstanding Self Improvement Skills You Should Start ... [Last Updated On: March 18th, 2018] [Originally Added On: March 18th, 2018]
- Desperately Seeking Self-Improvement: A Year Inside the ... [Last Updated On: May 6th, 2018] [Originally Added On: May 6th, 2018]
- What is Self-Improvement? - International Life Coaching ... [Last Updated On: May 15th, 2018] [Originally Added On: May 15th, 2018]
- Desperately Seeking Self-Improvement, by Carl Cederstrm ... [Last Updated On: May 23rd, 2018] [Originally Added On: May 23rd, 2018]
- Should Your Self-Improvement Start With You? | Wealthy Gorilla [Last Updated On: June 12th, 2018] [Originally Added On: June 12th, 2018]
- Be Your Own Life Coach: 10 Ideas for Self-Improvement ... [Last Updated On: July 1st, 2018] [Originally Added On: July 1st, 2018]
- 20 Self Improvement Tips That Will Change Your Life ... [Last Updated On: July 29th, 2018] [Originally Added On: July 29th, 2018]
- Self-improvement | Define Self-improvement at Dictionary.com [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2018] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2018]
- Employee Rewards Programs, Loyalty Reward Program [Last Updated On: January 26th, 2019] [Originally Added On: January 26th, 2019]
- Most of us are too busy to be better: the lazy person's ... [Last Updated On: March 5th, 2019] [Originally Added On: March 5th, 2019]
- Best Articles: 20 Articles That Can Change Your Life ... [Last Updated On: May 12th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 12th, 2019]
- 8 Best Industries for Starting a Business Right Now | Inc.com [Last Updated On: May 12th, 2019] [Originally Added On: May 12th, 2019]
- Learn Self Improvement | Free Online Courses | Class Central [Last Updated On: July 12th, 2019] [Originally Added On: July 12th, 2019]
- Letter: From a fifth year to all first years be brave - Ubyssey Online [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2019]
- REVIEW: Sardonic Humor in Glass Menagerie (Guthrie Theater) - Twin Cities Arts Reader [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2019]
- Employers Want To Retrain Workers, But Heres What Theyre Missing - Forbes [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2019]
- Leaving Fear Behind and Learning to Trust - Multiple Sclerosis News Today [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2019]
- Taylor-Made Takes: 'Whatever We Have To Do To Get a First Down and Score Points' - Bengals.com [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2019]
- Shashi Tharoors word of the week: Satyagraha - Hindustan Times [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2019]
- Korey Wise shares his story of life after exoneration, continued frustrations with the justice system during WMU visit - Western Herald [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2019]
- Universal ethical truths are at the core of Jewish High Holy Days - Daytona Beach News-Journal [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2019]
- Staying on Top of Things - Thrive Global [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2019]
- Teddy Roosevelt, the athlete, was more about grit than might - The Keene Sentinel [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2019]
- 0929 Horo | | albanyherald.com - The Albany Herald [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2019]
- Lampard urges Hudson-Odoi to learn from Sterling and queries Leeds award - The Guardian [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2019]
- What to do when your work and play are out of whack - Bangor Daily News [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2019]
- You Say Your Business Has Purpose? What Does That Mean? - Forbes [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2019]
- How Have Health Workers Won Improvements to Patient Care? Strikes. - In These Times [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2019]
- Prisoners 'buried alive' living in 24/7 silence and darkness in solitary confinement - Mirror Online [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2019]
- How Cargill is improving digital commerce - DigitalCommerce360 [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2019]
- HOROSCOPES: How Sundays new moon will affect your week, according to your star sign. - Mamamia [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2019]
- Philadelphia Eagles: 3 Areas that must improve immediately - Inside the Iggles [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2019]
- North Korea's UN ambassador bemoans lack of progress with the US, South Korea - NK News [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2019]
- Sunday Commentary: Parole Opposition Shows Once Again Reisig Just Not a Reformer - The Peoples Vanguard of Davis [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2019]
- Americans' Diet Is Improving, But They're Still Overdoing It on Unhealthy Carbs and Fat - Everyday Health [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2019]
- Recently Published Study: The Differences Between Chinese And Other Luxury Travellers - Hospitality Net [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2019]
- Literature, science or art there's a lecture coming to Fairfield County - The Ridgefield Press [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2019] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2019]