Being evacuated or in a home fire is scary for both adults and children. This fear can extend well past the event, and can occur even if the child was not directly involved. Children often think what they are seeing on the news is happening to them; and hearing adults talk about it can add to the fear. It’s a good practice to limit watching the news in your home as much as possible, especially during the event.
Most importantly, stay as calm as possible during the actual emergency. The more you show stress, the more anxious and fearful your child will be.
Talk about your child’s feelings afterwards and accept whatever feelings they express rather than trying to change them. Make sure they have the things that give them comfort, such as a favorite stuffed animal, blanket or toy. Check in often to do this, and realize that it’s normal for children to regress when they’ve been in a traumatizing event. Be kind and patient when this happens and know that it doesn’t last forever.
It’s helpful to return to as much of your routine as possible as quickly as you can. If you now have a new routine, be consistent with it. Build in time for fun activities to help with the readjustment and with building hope.
Adults (parents, adults, care providers) in the child’s life are important to helping the child move through the trauma and becoming resilient. Remember to be kind and patient with yourself as well. This has been stressful for you as a parent too.
Posted in: Community
Comment Policy: All viewpoints are welcome, but comments should remain relevant. Personal attacks, profanity, and aggressive behavior are not allowed. No spam, advertising, or promoting of products/services. Please, only use your real name and limit the amount of links submitted in your comment.
You Might Also Like...
Soroptimist International: Local Women Making a Difference in the North State
Valerie Sawyers-Stroud spent most of her life working things out on her own. For years, the single mom postponed the dream of pursuing her education so she could focus on […]
Presence over Presents
The holiday season is here again, and many parents find themselves scrambling to shop for all of the important people in their lives. Shopping for the perfect gift for your […]
Mamapreneurs 2021
Each year, North State Parent celebrates entrepreneurial women of the North State who have integrated their own business or side hustle into the challenging and rewarding job of motherhood. These […]
A New Twist on Horseback Riding: Orland Sisters Teach Equestrian Vaulting
Once a week, Amy Tomczak and her 13-year-old daughter, April, climb on the back of a trotting horse and do handstands, somersaults and leaps, “painting pictures” with their bodies and […]
