Providing for Children

 

Caring for children during and after a disaster creates a whole new set of challenges.  Small children have less stamina than adults and are more prone to dehydration, complications caused by extreme cold or heat, and the risks that come with injury or contagious disease.  They may also have, depending on the individual child, less tolerance for the disruption of routine -- including a change of sleeping arrangements, different types of foods, or a lack of TV or the usual playthings.  But on the plus side, because very young children live in the moment and have so little experience, they may experience much less anxiety and trauma than adults who are more aware of the ramifications of a disaster. 

As parents and caregivers, the best thing we can do is be prepared and stay calm.  Make plans and gather information and materials now, so that when something happens you will be better able to focus on taking care of your child's physical and emotional needs.   In addition, we encourage you to talk with your children, at a level they can understand, about the safe and appropriate way to handle emergencies like fire, flood, high winds, earthquake and etc.   Then, drill with them.  That is, have them "pretend" with you about what to do in each kind of emergency.  Remember not to inject your own fears and anxieties into these discussions and rehearsals.  The goal is -- to quote preparedness activist Maria Shriver -- "Don't be scared.  Be prepared!"  It is not necessary for young children to view such events as big and scary.  It is enough to tell them in matter of fact terms that we practice emergency procedures so that we can be safe and not get hurt.  Praise their efforts and point out to them that they have learned something very important. 

If you have multiple children, or are a teacher or caregiver, emphasize how important it will be for everyone to work together and to follow directions.  Have them practice these skills with such games as "Mother May I' and "Simon Says" as well as various cooperative games.  Provide dress up materials and props that will allow them to pretend about what they've learned (as this both reinforces the lesson and gives an outlet for feelings).

Also be sure children understand the role of various emergency service providers, such as firefighters, nurses & doctors, police, and search & rescue crew.  Use books and pictures to familiarize them with the uniforms and the gear these workers wear and explain that although they may look strange (with face masks, headlamps, etc) it is important to listen to  them and cooperate.

Finally, consider that you may not be present when a disaster occurs.  Make a plan for your child's safety that includes school, daycare, as well as family or friends who may care for her/him in your absence.  You may wish to print and utilize the Homeland Security Family Communications Plan.  as well as the Red Cross Family Disaster Plan handout (pdf)).
 

For further reading:

• Helping Young Children After a Disaster -- Interesting and important information from the NAEYC, the National Association for the Education of Young Children.
   
• Disaster: Helping Children Cope -- from the National Association of School Psychologists, this article includes common stages and reactions plus concrete suggestions for emotionally supporting a child after a disaster.  See also: 
• Children's Reaction To Trauma: Suggestions for Parents
   
• Helping Children Handle Disaster Related Anxiety  -- Helpful information for comforting preschool and school age children.
   
• Tips for Talking To Children After A Disaster --  from the National Mental Health Information Center, this collection of articles is aimed at helping teachers, and parents, find successful and sensitive ways to help kids process large scale tragedies, both natural and manmade.

• Prepare Now For Peace of Mind later -- From the Red Cross

 

Supplies to stock for children:

diapers, pull-ups, "goodnights"

formula

drink boxes of juice and milk as well as bottled water

snack foods they enjoy (will ensure nourishment is consumed, as well as provide emotional comfort and sense of security)

favorite cuddly

games, songs, story-telling activities that don't require materials (for example, playing "I spy something...green/etc")

extra clothing in case of "wetting" accidents (important when weather is cold)

supplies for warmth or cooling, as listed above (small children chill or overheat more easily than adults)

markers, paper, storybooks, dolls/action figures, small ball, battery operated interactive games/books

child strength pain and cold medications

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