Project Heartland was developed with funds from the Federal Emergency Management Agency in consultation with the Federal Center for Mental Health Services. Natural disasters such as tornados, or man-made tragedies such as the bombing of the Murrah Federal Building in Oklahoma City, can leave children feeling frightened, confused, and insecure. Whether a child has personally experienced trauma or has merely seen the event on television or heard it discussed by adults, it is important for parents and teachers to be informed and ready to help if reactions to stress begin to occur.
Children respond to trauma in many different ways.
Knowing the signs that are common at different ages can help parents and teachers to recognize problems and respond appropriately. Preschool Age Children from one to five years in age find it particularly hard to adjust to change and loss. In addition, these youngsters have not yet developed their own coping skills, so they must depend on parents, family members, and teachers to help them through difficult times. Very young children may regress to an earlier behavioral stage after a traumatic event. They may cling to a parent or teacher or become very attached to a place where they feel safe.