Disaster Recovery:
Coping with Stress

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Helping Your Child

Children are often easily frightened by storms or floods. Sometimes their fears - both real and imaginary - can be misunderstood by their parents.

Here are some things you can do to reassure your children and make them feel safe:

• Try to stay together as a family group.
• Don't leave your children alone in new surroundings.
• Talk to them about the storm. Tell them if you were afraid too, but reassure children that you will get through this together.

Disasters can be stressful for children. If the storm struck at night, bedtime is likely to be the most stressful time of all. You may find that your children are suddenly afraid of the dark and don't want you to leave the room. They may have nightmares. They may even wet their beds.  Here are some ways you can help:

• Don't punish them for these or similar behavior changes.
• Explain to them why it gets dark and why we dream.
• Praise them for having helped you that day.
• Agree on a bedtime and be firm.
• Read or tell them a happy story.
• Leave their door open.

If you are still worried about your children, ask for help. Your children's school can assist you.

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Families Coping with Stress

Here are some suggestions to help your family cope with the stress caused by the recent disaster:

• Remain positive in your outlook for the future.
• Take some time to discuss with your family the things you have enjoyed doing together in the past.
• Plan some pleasurable activities you would like to do in the future.
• Discuss the difficult problems and situations you have overcome together in the past.
• Think and talk hopefully about the future.

(Adapted from DH1940)

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