Talk with your child. Respond to questions patiently. Give
simple, accurate information about the situation. Correct
misunderstandings.
Talk
calmly with your child about your own feelings. However, it
is important not to expect your child to provide you with
emotional support.
Listen
to what your child says and how she says it. Watch for behaviors
that give clues to stress, fear and anxiety. Let your child
know you are concerned by repeating her words back to her.
“You are afraid that….”, “You wonder
if this will happen again.” This helps both you and
your child clarify feelings.
Reassure
your child. “We are together. We are safe. We care about
you. We will take care of you.”
Hold
and cuddle your child. Touching provides comfort and security.
Allow
your child to grieve the loss of a special toy, blanket, or
article of clothing. In time it may be helpful to replace
the lost object.
Spend
extra time putting your child to bed. A warm bath can be soothing.
Talk and offer extra assurances, like a night light or reminders
that you are nearby.
"I drew mom." Head Start NYC |
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Observe your child at play and listen for concerns expressed
through play activities. A child will deal with anger,
fear, or insecurities while playing with dolls, blocks,
small vehicles, imaginary play with other children or
art activities.
Provide play experiences such as play dough, finger paints,
or a tub of water. These activities help a child release
tension. If your child seems to want to hit or kick, give
him something safe, like a pillow, nerfball or bean bag
game. |
Ask for help for yourself or for your child if prolonged emotional
or physical distress persists. Talk to your religious leader,
your family physician, a school counselor or mental health
professional. There are people in your community who understand
and will help.
The above information includes minor
revisions from a brochure developed by:Emergency Response/Service
Ministries, Disaster Child Care, P.O. Box 188, New Windsor,
Maryland 21776 Used by permission. www.disasterchildcare.org
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