Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress
CSTS | Department of Psychiatry | Uniformed Services University | 4301 Jones Bridge Road, Bethesda, MD 20814-4799 | www.CSTSonline.org

Restoring a Sense of Well-Beingin Children After a Disaster
Children are often exposed■ Help children understandboth directly and indirectly to theIt is important for parents, caregivers, andthat government authorities
effects of disasters. While some will
work hard to identify and stop
professionals to answer children’s questions
live in close proximity to an area ordangerous events before theyand reassure them about their safety.
community directly impacted byhappen.
disaster, many others will learn about
it through the media or from their
You can increase your child’s
parents or friends. It is important for parents, caregivers,
sense of safety by:
and professionals to answer children’s questions and■ Knowing where they are and their return time.
reassure them about their safety.
■ Having a clear method of communication with yourchild in both normal (e.g., cell phone) and emergency
Communicate effectively with your children.
situations (e.g., designated meeting place if phone■ Keep your statements simple, factual, clear, anddoesn’t work).
sensitively worded.
■ Keeping them away from places or situations that are■ Do not overwhelm children with too much information.
likely to put them in danger.
■ Children may have ideas or beliefs that are difficult to■ Being aware of community changes about risks thatknow unless you ask them what they have heard andmight surface.
what they have questions about.
How do you plan for an emergency?
■ Children will get information from other children,adults, and the media. Ask your children what they have
■ Discuss possible emergency situations with yourheard so they do not misunderstand this information.
children and plans for responding.
■ Talk calmly with them about what they can do if they
If children are anxious or fearful, let them know thatfeel they are in danger.
you understand and will help them with their feelings.
■ Instruct them to call emergency services if they are in■ Children’s distress may be based on a different event.
danger.
Inquire what their distress is about.
■ Tell your children to say something to a trusted adult or■ Distress in such situations is usually transient. If
authority figure when they see something suspicious.
children’s distress persists, seek help from a trusted
provider such as their pediatrician.
Online Resources■ Some children may react by acting out or becoming
If you have any questions about your child’s health orvery quiet. Talk to your child about what is troubling
response to a traumatic event talk to your primary care orthem. Avoid reprimanding or punishing them for their
behavioral care provider or review additional resources atreactions. Let them know that talking may help.
the following sites:■ Center for the Study of Traumatic Stress 		
A common question is “Why do these things happen?”www.cstsonline.org
Here are some possible responses:■ National Child Traumatic Stress Network 		
■ “We usually cannot be sure what led a specific individual
www.nctsn.org
to act in such a way” or “we do not know for sure how■ American Red Cross 				an event will turn out.”
www.redcross.org