RESPONDING TO THE PHILIPPINES T YPHOON

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
The Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress (CSTS) is part of the Department of Psychiatry, Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences

Restoring a Sense of Well-Being in Children
After a Natural Disaster
Tips for Parents, Caregivers and Professionals
Children are often exposed both
A common question is “Why doParentsandcaregivers
willneedto
directly and indirectly to the effects ofthese things happen?” Here area large scale natural disaster, such as
some possible responses.
answer children’s questions andtyphoons or earthquakes. While some■■ We usually cannot be sure whatreassure them about their safety.
will live in close proximity to a region
led a specific individual to act inimpacted by disaster, many others willsuch a way.
learn about it through the media or■■ Such events can result from manyfrom their parents or friends. Parents and caregivers willcauses including mental illness,need to answer children’s questions and reassure themrage, extreme political or religious beliefs, and hatred.
about their safety.
■■ Do not stigmatize groups of people who fall the same ora similar demographic group as an alleged offender.
Communicate effectively with your children.
■■ Help children understand that government authorities■■ Keep your statements simple, factual, clear andwork hard to identify and stop dangerous events before
sensitively worded.
they happen.
■■ Do not overwhelm children with too muchinformation.
You can increase your child’s sense of safety by■■ Children may have ideas or beliefs that are difficult to■■ Knowing their whereabouts, and when they are toknow unless you ask them what they have heard andreturn home.
what they have questions about.
■■ A clear method of communication in normal and■■ Children will get information from other children
emergency situations (e.g. cell phone and a meeting
and adults and from the media. Make sure that yourplace if you cannot communicate with each other).
children do not misunderstand this information by■■ Keeping them away from places or situations that are
asking them what they have heard.
likely to put them in danger.
If children are anxious or fearful, let them know■■ Being aware of community changes about risks thatthat you understand and will help them with theirmight surface.
feelings.
How do you plan for an emergency?
■■ Children’s distress responses may be based on adifferent event. Inquire what their distress is about.
■■ Discuss possible emergency situations with yourchildren.
■■ Distress in such situations is usually very transient.
If children’s distress persists, seek help from a trusted■■ Talk calmly with them about what they can do if they
provider such as their pediatrician.
feel they are in danger.
■■ Some children may act out as a reaction or may■■ Instruct them to trust and seek help from police andbecome very quiet. Talk to your child about what isother authorities.
troubling them and not punish or reprimand them■■ Tell your children to say something to an adult when
for their reactions, but help them to understand thatthey see something suspicious.
talking may help.
Continued

Online Resources
If you have any questions about your child’s health or
response to a traumatic event you can seek professional
advice from a community primary care or behavioral careprovider or review additional resources at the following
sites:■■ Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress		
www.cstsonline.org■■ National Child Traumatic Stress Network		
www.ncstn.org■■ American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
www.aacap.org■■ American Academy of Pediatrics			

www.aap.org■■ American Psychiatric Association			www.psych.org■■ American Psychological Association			www.apa.org■■ American Red Cross					www.redcross.org

Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences
4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799
Tel: 301-295-2470 | Fax: 301-319-6965
www.CSTSonline.org