Help Kids Handle Emergencies

When faced with emergency situations like a severe typhoon, children can feel the stress deeply and may react in different ways.

Younger children may cry, whine or wet the bed in emergency situations. Older children may experience an intense fear of injury or separation anxiety. Other common reactions include a fear of the dark, physical pain and eating or sleeping problems.

The key to helping your children cope is simply by being there and making them feel safe.

Keep in mind the following tips:

• Take your children’s fears seriously and tell them that it’s okay to be scared.

• Explain the events as best you can and acknowledge what’s frightening about what happened.

• Tell your kids what you think and feel. Doing so helps them feel less alone if they have similar feelings.

• Maintain familiar routines, like mealtimes and regular bedtime hours.

• While parents can play a huge role in helping children deal with anxiety, it may be helpful to talk to a professional, such as a psychologist or social worker, who can help children understand and cope with their emotions.

More information on emergency preparedness, including creating a family emergency plan, is available at www.GetPrepared.ca.

www.newscanada.com