|
|
|
|
 |
|
|
Helping children recover from a disaster
Disasters
are difficult to bounce back for even the most well adjusted adult.
Unfortunately, children have often not yet developed the emotional
skills to cope with the turmoil in the aftermath of a sudden emergency.
Because they lack these essential coping skills, it is imperative that
parents, teachers and other care-givers understand how to help children
recover from a disaster.
There are three triggers that can put children at a higher risk for psychological distress following a disaster:
- Direct involvement in the disaster
- The injury or death of a loved one
- Emotional toil from secondary effects: evacuation, loss of property, temporary living conditions and even pet loss
Responses to this psychological stress can vary from child to child but
may include: bed wetting, behavior problems, temporary insomnia or night
terrors, problems in school and emotional withdrawal. All of these are
common reactions to stress and a child may display one or any
combination of these symptoms. It is important to keep a watchful eye on
children following a disaster and key in on any of these reactions
immediately.
One of the best ways to help a child recover from an emergency is to
encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings. Never tease the
child or belittle their feelings. Instead, maintain a neutral but
supportive attitude. If the child has questions, answer them calmly and
appropriately. You know your child best; some want very detailed answers
and others need things explained more simply.
Understand, when talking to your child that there are fears following a
disaster that are common place, particularly among younger children.
Many fear that the event will reoccur, someone they know and love will
be killed and that they may find themselves separated from the family.
According to FEMA, there are steps you can take to help reassure your children after a disaster:
- Provide ample physical contact.
- Do not exaggerate details of the recent disaster.
- Explain plans for insuring your child’s safety in the future.
- Encourage your child to talk about their feelings.
- Re-establish your daily routine as soon as possible.
- Spend extra time with your child.
- Give your child chores around the house that will make them feel as though they are part of the family’s recovery effort.
- Allow your child to help update the family’s disaster plan or help create one if none previously existed.
During your child’s recovery, do your best to help them avoid things
that may trigger anxiety, especially news reports. Watching the disaster
on television may cause your children to relive the event in their
minds, hampering them on their path to emotional wellness. Should your
child develop new fears: of wind, fire or loud noises for example, try
to alleviate them by explaining that they are natural occurrences not
related to the disaster or an pending emergency.
By remaining calm and taking care of your own emotional well-being, you
will help your child tenfold. Children are reflections of their parents
and caregivers. The best way to begin helping your child heal is to
begin healing yourself.
|
|
|
|
(Your shopping cart is empty)
Testimonials
"WOW! This is service at it’s best. I did not expect a response until next week. First class service, thank you. I will be purchasing more supplies for the rest of the family."
—Thank you very much. Rick S
"Good customer service like this will keep your customers coming back. I'll be ordering again soon. Thanks again, I remain Respectfully."
—Judy L.
"Thank you so much! I want to let you know that you guys have been excellent! Great products and shipping. Again, thank you!"
—Jennie P
"Thank you very much: Kat and I appreciate your promptness and professionalism by replacing the damaged pancake mixes as quickly as you did.
We will be looking at you for a few more items in the very near future..."
—Thanks again Dave & Kat
"I want to express my appreciation and tell you how grateful I am for your quick response. Everything looks good and we are very pleased with our purchase."
—Chris B
"Just wanted to let you know that we received the order on Wednesday! Thank you so much again for all your help."
—Cyndi P
"Thank you very much, we appreciate the quick response."
—Vince C
"Thanks. You guys have been very professional."
—Joseph M
|
