A Guide to Helping Children Understand and Cope with Disasters and Trauma

Recently, our communities have faced challenges that can be difficult for anyone to process, particularly children. As parents, caregivers, and educators, we must help our young ones navigate these unsettling events with care, understanding, and reassurance.

Children often turn to the adults in their lives for guidance on how to respond to and understand the world around them, especially during times of crisis.

Below, Sarah Jefferies, a Paediatric Health Specialist, highlights some key ways to talk to children about disasters while providing them with the support they need:

Create a Safe Environment
First and foremost, ensure that children feel safe. This means being present, both physically and emotionally, and reassuring them that their immediate environment is secure. Children need to know that they are protected and that their caregivers are there to support them.

Be Honest and Age-Appropriate
When discussing difficult events, it is important to be honest but mindful of the child’s age and developmental stage. Use simple, clear language and avoid overloading them with information. Brief explanations are often sufficient for younger children, while older children might seek more detailed information.

Encourage Questions
Children are naturally curious, and they may have many questions about what they hear or see. Encourage them to ask questions and listen attentively to their concerns. This will help them process their feelings and understand the situation better.

Validate Their Feelings
Children may express a range of emotions, from fear and sadness to confusion and anger. It is important to validate their feelings and let them know that it is okay to feel upset. Share your own feelings in an appropriate and empathic way, showing them that they are not alone.

Focus on the Helpers
In times of crisis, it is beneficial to focus on the positive actions being taken by individuals and communities. Highlight the efforts of emergency responders, healthcare workers, and community volunteers. This can provide a sense of hope and demonstrate the power of people coming together to help one another.

Limit Media Exposure
Continuous exposure to news and media reports can be overwhelming and distressing for children. Monitor their media consumption and be available to discuss any content they may have seen. Encourage activities that offer a positive distraction, such as reading, playing games, or spending time outdoors.

Promote a Routine
Maintaining a regular routine can provide a sense of normalcy and stability for children. Consistent meal times, bedtimes, and daily activities can help them feel more secure and less anxious about the uncertainty around them.

Encourage Expression Through Play and Art
Children often express their feelings through play, drawing, and storytelling. Encourage these activities as a way for them to process their emotions and experiences. Offer them tools such as crayons, paper, or toys to facilitate this form of expression.

Be Patient and Available
Children may need time to process their emotions and may revisit their questions and concerns repeatedly. Be patient and make yourself available for ongoing discussions. Let them know that they can come to you anytime they need to talk.

Seek Professional Support if Needed
If you notice that a child is struggling to cope, exhibiting changes in behaviour, or showing signs of distress that do not improve over time, consider seeking the help of a mental health professional. Early intervention can be beneficial in supporting a child’s emotional well-being.

Sarah Jefferies, a Paediatric Health Specialist from Paediatric First Aid, says, “By approaching these conversations with sensitivity and care, we can help children build resilience and develop healthy coping mechanisms.

“As adults, it is our responsibility to guide our young ones through challenging times, empowering them with the strength to face the future with confidence. Together, we can create an environment of support and understanding that helps children thrive despite the difficulties they may encounter. Let’s commit to being the reassuring presence they need as they navigate the complexities of the world around them.