Helping Children After A Disaster Or Violent Event
A Guide for Parents & Other Adults
When Do Reactions Occur?
Usually, these reactions will occur immediately following the disaster or violent event. Sometimes, however, a child will seem to be doing fine immediately following the event but experience a delayed response weeks - or even months - later.
What Is Normal?
"Normal" reactions vary widely. The information following is, therefore, not all-inclusive. However, understanding a child's potential reactions, given a certain developmental stage, can provide important cues for parental action.
This understanding can also help you to return
to a normal routine as soon as possible and minimize the anxiety felt
by everyone when day-to-day activities are disrupted.
Preschool: Ages 1 to 5
Early
Childhood: Ages
5 to 11
Preadolescent:
Ages
11 to 14
Adolescent:
Ages
14 to 18
Provide Reassurance
When Problem Persist
What Can I Do Now To Prepare For A Disaster / Violent Event
Talk about what your family will do in the event of a disaster or violent event. Discussing the routines that will be followed during a similar event that will increase a child's confidence and reduce anxiety. Children, especially young children, thrive on routine and ritual.
Because children experience so little sense of control in life, advance knowledge and a planned course of action are vitally important in minimizing negative impact.
What Should I Do During And After A Violent Event?
Maintain Family Routines
In the event of and following a traumatic incident, maintain as many family routines as possible. Continue to read bedtime stories, if you've done so in the past. Or, if there is a power outage, substitute other quiet time activities.
Limit the amount to exposure to graphic media scenes or emotional personal stories told on the radio.