Learning about hurricanes

2 comments

• I hope everyone is safe–it looks like the areas north of us got hit harder.

  Reply

• 10 Tips from Sesame Street for dealing with disasters.

  See original document
  http://tinyurl.com/3zphngt
  and full site: http://tinyurl.com/3wq9rfj

  SAFE & SOUND: Tips for Parents and Caregiver

  Hurricanes, storms, and any stressful events can be particularly
  difficult for young children who may not fully understand what’s going
  on around them. These tips can help them feel safe, cope with emotions,
  and understand that there is hope for the future.

  Give Children the Facts
  Children might still be confused about what
  exactly a hurricane is. Explain that it is a big storm with a lot of
  wind and heavy rain. It can be scary, but adults will do their best to
  keep children safe.

  Comfort Your Children
  Try to calm your own fears first, since children
  take your cues. Answer questions honestly and age appropriately, in
  simple words. Reassure them that what happened is not their fault, and
  that you love them and will take care of them. Hugs help, too!

  Listen and Talk to Your Children
  Follow your children’s lead. They may
  not want to talk about their emotions and experiences right away. If
  they prefer not to talk, play with them and spend time doing what they
  like to do. If they express sadness, anger, or fear, tell them it’s okay
  to feel this way, and encourage them to continue sharing their feelings
  with words or pictures.

  Try to Keep a Normal Routine
  As much as possible, try to keep a daily
  routine. To help children feel calm and safe, encourage them to engage
  in favorite activities.

  Spend Time With Your Children
  Simply smiling, laughing, and playing
  together can also help children feel safe. Encourage them to do things
  that can help them express their emotions, such as writing a story or
  drawing a picture.

  Pay Attention to Signs of Stress
  Nightmares, bed-wetting, aggression,
  inattentiveness, and clinging behavior are common among children who
  have experienced a crisis. If you notice such signs, please talk to a
  health care provider, teacher, school counselor, or mental health
  professional.

  Monitor Children’s TV Viewing
  Don’t allow children to watch repeated
  images of the hurricane, its damage, and other violent events. Young
  children might think that it’s happening repeatedly, in real time.

  Empower Your Children
  If your children have been directly affected by
  the hurricane, you can give them simple chores and responsibilities to
  help them maintain a sense of control. Praise their efforts—building
  self-confidence is important when joining a new community. If children
  have been indirectly affected, encourage them to show compassion and
  help others.

  Take Care of Yourself
  You’re more helpful to your children when you’ve
  attended to your own physical and emotional needs. Build a support
  system through relatives, friends, faith leaders, or counselors. Stay
  active, get enough rest, eat healthfully, and do things you enjoy.

  Inspire a Sense of Hope
  Explain that while many things may have changed,
  there are people and places we can always “hold in our hearts.” Explain
  that no matter what has happened, you still have each other to build a
  better future.

  Reply