June 18, 2008
Talking key for parents helping children during natural disasters
WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - One of the best things parents can do for children during a natural disaster is to talk with them about what is happening outside, says a Purdue University expert."Just because children do not talk about what is occurring in the world around them during a natural disaster does not mean that they are clueless about the events," says Judy Myers-Walls, a Purdue Extension family specialist. "The best thing parents can do for their children is to talk to them every day about what is going on and what they think about the destruction that has occurred."
Besides talking about natural disasters, parents should try to limit the amount of media coverage that children have access to. Some newscasts contain images and information not appropriate for young children.
"It is good to let children watch a little news coverage of the disasters because it will help with their curiosity, but too much can cause them to be scared and worry for the safety of their family and friends," Myers-Walls says.
Parents also need to remember that during times of chaos and destruction, a child's fear is not necessarily for themselves. Children will tend to be more afraid for their family members, friends and people they do not know who are in the natural disaster that is occurring, she says.
It will help children cope better with the situation at hand if they have an outlet to express themselves.
This outlet can be as simple as doing some type of volunteering work where the child is helping others who need a helping hand. By doing such activities, children will feel like they are making a difference amid all of the disorder occurring in their lives, she says.
Parents can find more information related to this topic online at https://www.extension.purdue.edu/cfs/topics/HD/index.htm
Writer: Ashley Bachman, (765) 494-8402, aabechma@purdue.edu
Source: Judy Myers-Walls, (765) 494-9512, jmyerswa@purdue.edu
Ag Communications: (765) 494-2722;
Beth Forbes, forbes@purdue.edu
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