As adults we all want our children to live carefree
lives and keep them from the pain and even horror of
tragedies such as natural disasters. In reality we can’t
do this. So what is a parent, teacher, or other caring
adult to do when the natural disasters fills the
airwaves and the consciousness of society? Here are some
ideas:
1.
Reassure children that they are
safe. The consistency of the images can be frightening
for young children who don’t understand the notion of
distance and have difficulty distinguishing between
reality and fiction. Let them know that while this event
is indeed happening it will not affect them directly.
2.
Be available. Let kids know that
it is okay to talk about the unpleasant events. Listen
to what they think and feel. By listening, you can find
out if they have misunderstandings, and you can learn
more about the support that they need. You do not need
to explain more than they are ready to hear, but be
willing to answer their questions.
3.
Help children process what they
see and hear, particularly through television. Children
are good observers but can be poor interpreters of
events that are out of their level of understanding.
4. Support children’s concerns for others. They may have
genuine concerns for the suffering that will occur and
they may need an outlet for those concerns. It is heart-
warming to see this empathy in children for the concerns
of others.
5.
Let them explore feelings beyond
fear. Many children may feel sad or even angry with
these events so let them express the full range of
emotions. They may feel sadder for the loss of wildlife,
than for loss of human life, which is impersonal for
them.
6.
Help children and young people
find a legitimate course of action if they wish. Action
is a great antidote to stress and anxiety so finding
simple ways to help, including donating some pocket
money can assist kids to cope and teaches them to
contribute.
7.
Avoid keeping the television on
all the time. The visual nature of the media means that
images are repeated over and over, which can be both
distressing to some and desensitizing to others.
8.
Be aware of your own actions.
Children will take their cues from you and if they see
you focusing on it in an unhealthy way then they will
focus on it too. Let them know that it is happening but
it should not dominate their lives.
9.
Take action yourself. Children who
know their parents, teachers, or other significant
caregivers are working to make a difference feel hope.
They feel safer and more positive about the future. So
do something. It will make you feel more hopeful, too.
And hope is one of the most valuable gifts we can give
children and ourselves.
Children’s worlds can be affected in ways that we can’t
even conceive of so adults need to be both sensitive to
children’s needs and mindful of what they say and how
they act in front of children. In difficult times, it is
worth remembering what adults and children need most are
each other.
Published by Michael Grose Presentations. All rights
reserved.
Michael Grose is one of Australia’s leading parenting
educators. For more parenting information and resources
visit
www.parentingideas.com.au
PO Box 167 Balnarring VIC 3926
P.
03 5983 1798
F. 03 5983 1722
