Helping Parents 

Cope with Disaster 

Tip Sheet
 

Anyone who is a parent knows how hard it can be to raise a child. Add a stressful situation, like a natural 

disaster or other emergencies, and a difficult job gets even harder. When disasters happen, it is important to 

remember the health and well-being of yourself and your children. If you are prepared for potential 

disasters, you can be more confident in your ability to keep your family safe, and your children are likely to 

handle the disaster better as well. 

It is difficult to predict how children will react when disasters occur. Some children may not seem to be 

upset while others may have an emotional reaction or a change in behavior. Changes in emotions and 

behaviors can occur immediately or after a short delay. 

Potential Reactions to Disasters: 

Common Emotions: 

y Shock and surprise 

y Anxiety and tension 

y Confusion 

y Fear or worry 

y Grief 

y Anger 

y Guilt and shame 

y Helplessness 

y Isolation 

y Despair and sadness 

y Numbness 

y Fear of being alone 

Behavioral Changes: 

y Crying 

y Eating patterns 

y Sleeping patterns 

y Anger or short temper 

y Fatigue 

y Hyperactivity 

y Restlessness 

y Difficulty concentrating 

When talking to your child, be sure to 

present a realistic picture that is both 

honest and manageable. Be aware that 

after a disaster, children may fear that: 

y They will be separated from family, 

and they will be left alone. 

y The event will happen again. 

y Someone will be injured or killed. 

www.cdc.gov 
Helping Parents 

Cope with Disaster 

How Can I Help My Children Cope?
 

Regardless of your child’s age, remember to: 

y Model coping through calm reactions, even 

though you may be stressed. If you feel unable to 

control your emotions, seek out help and support 

from family or professionals. 

y Keep routines as consistent as possible. 

y Answer questions openly and honestly and at a 

level they can understand. 

y Allow your children to talk about the event from 

their point-of-view. Let them know you will listen 

to their concerns and questions. Help them label 

and cope with their feelings. Let them know it is 

okay if they feel angry or sad. 

y Reassure your children that you love and will care 

for them. 

y Provide a peaceful household (and school 

experience). 

Ages birth to 5: 

y Children should have limited exposure to media 

and adult conversations about crisis and disaster. 

y They should spend ample time with loving, 

reassuring adults. 

y Parents should provide plenty of physical contact 

(for example, hugs and cuddles). 

y Offer reassurance, especially at bedtime. 

y Provide opportunities to be physically active. 

Ages 6 to 12: 

y Spend ample time with loving, reassuring adults. 

y Provide verbal and physical reassurance that you 

are with them and will care for them. 

y Limit repeated exposure to adult discussions and 

the news media. Watch with them and talk with 

them about what they are seeing and hearing, how 

they feel about it, and what it means for them and 

the family. 

y Provide opportunities to talk and play, be creative 

and physically active. 

y Provide reassurance, especially at bedtime. 

Ages 13 to 18: 

y Let them know your whereabouts and make sure 

you know where they will be. 

y Provide time to talk and interact with peers. 

y Allow opportunities to contribute in the family or 

assist others in responding to the crisis or 

community needs if they are interested. 

y Give encouragement and support in taking care 

of themselves: eating well, sleeping sufficiently, 

exercising regularly. 

y If you are staying in a shelter or in other 

unfamiliar surroundings, talk to your teen about 

staying safe. 

y Talk with your teen about their feelings and 

discuss ways to help them cope. 

For more information, please contact: 

Centers for Disease Control and Prevention 

National Center for Injury Prevention and Control 

Division of Violence Prevention 

1-800-CDC-INFO • www.cdc.gov • cdcinfo@cdc.gov