Helping Toddlers and Preschoolers Cope with Tragedy

Everyone responds to tragedy differently, but kids 5 and younger have not yet developed their own coping skills. So, when young kids experience a traumatic event, it is not uncommon for them to regress to past behaviors, such as thumb-sucking and bed-wetting. They may also cling to parents and other caregivers, and display changes in eating, sleeping and behavior. 

As parents and caregivers, we cannot shield our children from all the bad things that happen in our communities, but we can offer the help and reassurance that our children need to feel safe.

To support families and caregivers in their efforts to help young kids cope with the aftermath of the Yarnell Hill Fire, First Things First has compiled the following tips from the National Association the Education of Young Children (NAEYC) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA).

 

1.       Cuddle your child. After a traumatic and tragic event, very young children need to be held and hugged often.

2.       Provide children with opportunities to talk about the event. Answer questions about the event honestly, but do not dwell on frightening details or allow the subject to dominate family or classroom time indefinitely. Answer questions honestly at a level the child can understand. Do not be afraid to admit that you cannot answer all of their questions.

3.       Monitor children’s television watching. You may decide to shield your children from the news coverage entirely, but if you do choose to allow them to watch the news, be present when your child is watching. It is at these times that questions might arise.

4.       Help children understand that there are no bad feelings. Encourage children to express emotions through conversation, writing, or artwork.

5.       For older children, see if there is an age-appropriate way for kids to help others who were affected by the event (such as collecting food, clothing, etc., for victims).

6.       Help children identify good things, such as the heroic actions of the emergency responders or the assistance offered by people throughout the community.

If your child is exhibiting behaviors that are confusing or concerning to you (such as aggression or depression), speak with your doctor or call the free Birth to 5 Helpline (1-877-705-KIDS). Specifically designed for caregivers of kids 5 and younger, the Helpline is staffed by nurses, child development specialists and other early childhood professionals who can answer questions about any parenting issue or challenge you are facing. Questions also may be submitted online at: www.swhd.org/get-help/birth-to-five-helpline.

 

When tragedy strikes a community, it takes the whole community to cope. By partnering with parents in their efforts to help young children handle this tragedy, we can help make sure everyone in our community has the support they need to heal from this terrible loss.