Kids are a lot smarter than we think they are. They are more aware of their surrounding than they're showing. When a disaster strikes, it can affect our kids a lot. Whether it's a storm or a fire, these events undermines a child's need to see the world as a safe place.
Talking to a child about disastrous events is hard because we're not sure of the right words to use. Kids are innocent; add that to the fact that they have limited vocabulary. Don't worry though, because here are some tips on how you can talk to your child about disasters:
Talking to a child about disastrous events is hard because we're not sure of the right words to use. Kids are innocent; add that to the fact that they have limited vocabulary. Don't worry though, because here are some tips on how you can talk to your child about disasters:
Reassure your kid. Disasters such as the passing of someone close can be very stressful to a child. When this happens and your child asks questions such as "what happens when people die?", her real concern may be "am I safe?". Be brief about your answer and reassure your child that she's safe.
Validate your child's feeling. When you see your child sad or worried, the immediate reaction would be to tell her not to worry or get sad. While I'm sure parents have the best concern when they do this, it's actually not the best way to handle the situation because it's as good as telling your child that her feelings are not important.
When you see your child troubled about something, validate her feelings by telling her that it's okay to feel that way. Say something like "I know you're worried about the flood. Luckily, we live in a high place where the flood can't reach us."
Keep the usual routines. Even when you're upset about a situation (like the death of a family member, for instance), you need to show to your child that you're still in control by keeping routines. Don't skip meals or naps, and keep on taking her to the park on Saturday afternoons if that's how you usually spend weekends. Your child needs to feel secured, and keeping routines is one way of doing that.
Validate your child's feeling. When you see your child sad or worried, the immediate reaction would be to tell her not to worry or get sad. While I'm sure parents have the best concern when they do this, it's actually not the best way to handle the situation because it's as good as telling your child that her feelings are not important.
When you see your child troubled about something, validate her feelings by telling her that it's okay to feel that way. Say something like "I know you're worried about the flood. Luckily, we live in a high place where the flood can't reach us."
Keep the usual routines. Even when you're upset about a situation (like the death of a family member, for instance), you need to show to your child that you're still in control by keeping routines. Don't skip meals or naps, and keep on taking her to the park on Saturday afternoons if that's how you usually spend weekends. Your child needs to feel secured, and keeping routines is one way of doing that.
When you see your child troubled about something, validate her feelings by telling her that it's okay to feel that way. Say something like "I know you're worried about the flood. Luckily, we live in a high place where the flood can't reach us."
Keep the usual routines. Even when you're upset about a situation (like the death of a family member, for instance), you need to show to your child that you're still in control by keeping routines. Don't skip meals or naps, and keep on taking her to the park on Saturday afternoons if that's how you usually spend weekends. Your child needs to feel secured, and keeping routines is one way of doing that.
About the Author:
Keep the usual routines. Even when you're upset about a situation (like the death of a family member, for instance), you need to show to your child that you're still in control by keeping routines. Don't skip meals or naps, and keep on taking her to the park on Saturday afternoons if that's how you usually spend weekends. Your child needs to feel secured, and keeping routines is one way of doing that.
About the Author:
To read more about parental help visit this great website that talks about a lot of parenting topics such as better parenting.