Helping Children Cope During and After a Disaster

A Resource for Parents and Caregivers

The amount of damage caused from a disaster can be overwhelming. The destruction of homes and separation from 
school, family, and friends can create a great amount of stress and anxiety for children. They may not fully understand what 
is going on. A childÕs reaction and signs of stress may vary depending on age and previous experiences and typical coping 
behavior with stress.

What You Can Do to Help Children 
Cope with a Disaster 

Set a good example by managing your own stress 
through healthy lifestyle choices, such as eating 
healthy, exercising regularly, getting plenty of sleep, 
and avoiding drugs and alcohol. When you are 
prepared, rested, and relaxed, you can respond better 
to unexpected events and can make decisions in the 
best interest of your loved ones.

The following tips can help reduce stress before, 
during, and after a disaster or traumatic event.

Before

¥ Assure your children that you are prepared to keepthem safe.
¥ Review safety plans before a disaster or emergencyhappens. Having a plan will increase your childrenÕsconfidence and help give them a sense of control.


During

¥ Stay calm and reassure your children.
¥ Talk to your children about what is happening in away that they can understand. Keep it simple andappropriate for each childÕs age.


AfterÕ

¥ Give your children opportunities to talk about whatthey went through. Encourage them to share
concerns and ask questions.
¥ Encourage your children to take action directly
related to the disaster so they feel a sense of
control. For example, children can help others aftera disaster, such as volunteering to help communityor family members in a safe environment. Childrenshould NOT participate in disaster cleanup activitiesfor health and safety reasons.
¥ Because parents, teachers, and other adults see
children in different situations, it is important for
them to work together to share information about
how each child is coping after a traumatic event.
¥ Help your children to have a sense of structure,
which can make them feel more at ease or provide
a sense of familiarity. Once schools and child
care opens again, help them return to their
regular activities.


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Common Reactions

The common reactions to distress will fade over time for 
most children. Children who were directly exposed to a 
disaster can become upset again and behavior related 
to the event may return if they see or hear reminders. 


If children continue to be very upset or if their reactions 
hurt their relationships or schoolwork, parents may want 
to talk to a professional or have their children to talk to 
someone who specializes in childrenÕs emotional needs. 

Learn more about common reactions to distress below:

For Infants to 2-Year-Olds


Infants may become more cranky. They may cry more than usual or want to be 
held and cuddled more.

For 3 to 6-Year-Olds

They may have toileting accidents, bed-wetting, tantrums and a hard time sleeping, 
or be frightened about being separated from their parents/caregivers.

For 7 to 10-Year-Olds

Older children may feel sad, mad, or afraid that the event will happen again. 
Correct misinformation the child may get from others.

For Preteens and Teenagers

Some preteens and teenagers respond to trauma by acting out or feeling afraid to 
leave the home. Their overwhelming emotions may lead to increased arguing and 
even fighting with siblings, parents/caregivers or other adults.

For Special Needs Children

Children with physical, emotional, or intellectual limitations may have stronger 
reactions to a threatened or actual disaster. Children with special needs may need 
extra words of reassurance, more explanations about the event, and more comfort 
and other positive physical contact such as hugs from loved ones. 

Want to learn more?
https://www.cdc.gov/childrenindisasters/index.html