Supporting children during a significant weather event
With the impending weather system approaching, it is essential to ensure that our children feel safe, supported, and well-prepared. Significant weather events and natural disasters can be distressing, especially for young minds, and we want to provide guidance on how you can help your child navigate this time with confidence and resilience.
1. Open and Honest Conversations
▪ Talk to your child about floods and cyclones in an age-appropriate manner. Reassure them that while these events can be serious, preparedness can help keep everyone safe.
▪ Encourage them to ask questions and express their feelings.
▪ Children who have experienced other recent natural disasters may need careful support and check-ins and supportive conversations that acknowledge their feelings but that they are safe.
2. Emergency Preparedness at Home
▪ Create a family emergency plan and ensure your child knows the plan.
▪ Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies such as water, food, flashlights, medications, and important documents.
▪ Keep emergency contact numbers accessible and ensure your child knows whom to call in case of an emergency.
3. Emotional Support and Coping Strategies
▪ Minimise your child’s exposure to repeated media images, reports or communication about the weather events or any disasters.
▪ Encourage your child to share their worries and fears, and reassure them with comfort and positive reinforcement.
▪ Maintain routines as much as possible, as consistency helps children feel secure.
▪ Use calming techniques such as deep breathing, storytelling, or creative activities to reduce stress and anxiety.
▪ Encouraging children to engage in high interest or enjoyable activities can assist to keep their mind focused on positive things and being resilient when challenged.
By working together, we can help our children feel prepared and supported through any challenges that may arise.
Red Cross Australia, Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service and Headspace have a number of resources that may assist in supporting you to support you young people.
Australia Red Cross have" Talking with children before an emergency"
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Children's Health Queensland Hospital and Health Service (Child and Youth Mental Health Service) have developed Birdie and the Flood which is a booklet that is accessible online or also via https://www.childrens.health.qld.gov.au/our-work/birdies-tree-natural-disaster-recovery/birdiestree-storybooks/birdie-and-the-flood
Headspace
https://headspace.org.au/explore-topics/for-young-people/natural-disasters/