The way we, as parents and caregivers, respond to children’s questions and worries will help them through difficult times and teach them to cope during future challenges. We wanted to provide you with information to help you recognize signs of stress in children and offer you suggestions for helping children manage stress.
Helping Children Cope with Stressful Situations
Children may not have the ability to verbalize their feelings so observe them carefully for these Signs of Stress. (Stress symptoms can appear for a short time and then go away or last for a long time.)
How can we help our children cope with stress?
If a child shows excessive signs of stress for long periods of time, it is in the best interest of the child to seek professional advice.
Helping Children Deal with their Reactions to a Traumatic Event
When children witness a traumatic event, they each may react in very different ways. Some may continue on as if nothing happened. Others may express fear, anger, or sadness. It is important to know that each of these responses (and everything in between) is normal.
If a child is experiencing difficulty, it is important that the adults in their lives provide the stability and love that will allow them to process and deal with the situation. Below you will find some general guidelines on how you can help.
Answer children’s questions:
The aftermath of any accident or dramatic incident leaves children with many questions. Children need the opportunity to talk about their feelings with each other and with adults. They need our thoughtfulness and our honesty.
Before talking to children it is important that you get your own feelings and thoughts straight. Think not only about what you want to say, but also about how you want it to come across.
Acknowledge feelings:
You may need to help young children name their feelings. Let them know that whatever they are feeling is okay. Share your feelings, but always be strong.
Offer the reassurances you can:
Help the child feel better about the situation and provide comfort without giving misinformation or false hope. Instead of saying, “I am sure everything is going to be okay.” You can say, “I know that everyone is doing everything they can to help her feel better.”
Physical closeness may also be important at a time like this. Give lots of hugs and physical contact. This helps your child feel safe and protected.
Stay tuned in to the child:
Keep listening, asking, discussing, and reassuring as the child’s thoughts and feelings evolve. Find opportunities to ask what’s on the child’s mind and follow his or her lead. Recognize and respond to the clues in a child’s art, play, or conversations with a friend.
Make the incident understandable to the child:
Every child is different and the explanation of the event needs to match the child’s developmental understanding. Use words that your child can understand to talk about what happened.
Give your child a chance to express him/herself:
Be alert for opportunities to steer children toward actively caring about others. They might want to make or send a card or send flowers. Support your child in expressing care and concern.
Support Yourself:
There are many resources out there to help you support your child. Access these or professionals if you are in need of more answers.
http://www.naeyc.org/content/disasters-and-tragedies
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/angermgmt_general.aspx
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/terror_general.aspx
http://www.nasponline.org/resources/crisis_safety/psycht_general.aspx
Adapted from: WHAT HAPPENED TO THE WORLD? : Helping Children Cope in Turbulent Times by Jim Greenman
If there is anything else we can do to support you and your children through this difficult time, please let your Director know.
Sincerely,
The Education Team
Learning Care Group
Book Suggestions for Children Experiencing Stress, Grief, or Fear