Helping Kids Cope with Natural Disasters

Having been in one of the worst hurricanes, Hurricane Andrew in 1992 I can completely relate to having to help my children cope with the reality that life from that point on would never be quite the same. Here are 10 way to help your child cope with a natural disaster.

1. Before anything, always be honest with your children regarding what exactly happen. Even if your children are young, the truth might be a little harsh for them but it is much better than making something up and explaining to them years down the road.

2. Reassure them as much as possible that they are safe. Even if you have to reassure them 10 times a day, just do it. Eventually it will start to decrease and they will begin to feel better.

3. Explain to them that natural disaster happen all over the world and people just like them are in the same situation as they are. Allow them to realize it just did not happen to them.

4. Do not hide the pictures of the disaster from them. No matter what anyone says, allow them to see what has actually happen around them.

5. Let them talk about the disaster whenever they feel the need to talk about it. You would be amazed at how much talking about something can make your children feel much better.

6. Allow them to draw what they think has happened or their feelings about the disaster. Drawing allows their real feelings to come out on paper if they are not willing to talk about it.

7. Answers all questions that your children have about the disaster. No matter how unimportant it may seem to you, do not disregard any questions. Put it all on the table at all times.

8. Tell your children as much as possible that you love them and hug them as much as you can. This gives them a sense of being safe, and that's exactly what they need after something such as a natural disaster has hit.

9. If they are worried about it happening again, reassure them that there are people who can predict most major disasters before they hit.

10. Pay attention to how your children are acting. This is extremely important. After Hurricane Andrew my three year old daughter suffered serious post traumatic stress to where her hair started to fall out. Pay attention to the signs, stomach aches, not sleeping or eating, always worried and nervous, having nightmares, and not interacting with other family members.

If you notice any of these signs in any of your children, take them to the doctor immediately. Sometimes it takes a doctor to talk to them and reassure them that they are alright and things will get better.

Again, I cannot stress how important it is to be honest with your children when something like a natural disaster hits home. No matter how bad it is, or no matter how people are telling you to sugar coat the truth, do not. The truth is always the only way to go. It allows them to cope and understand what really has happened, and allows them to move forward with life.