Most emergency situations are completely out of our control. Children may be just as stressed and overwhelmed as their caregivers in these situations. After an emergency or disaster, children may experience:
- anxiety or fear
- sadness
- sleep disruption or distressing dreams
- difficulty concentrating
- irritability and anger outbursts
Parents and caregivers can help alleviate these negative effects on their children by:
- explaining to them their situation
- comforting them and listening to them
- surrounding them with nurturing, caring adults who make them feel safe
