There are many factors which will determine the extent and nature of the impact on children of natural disasters like the recent bushfire tragedy, and now the earthquake in Italy. The recovery process for both these occurrences will play out for some time to come, so our awareness of them will be on-going.

As adults, we must take care to protect our youngest citizens from undue stress and limit the damage that these natural disasters have on their lives.

A child’s age, personality, exposure to the event and experience of loss will play a part in the short and longer-term effects. Factors around the family also will be keys. Was the family together during the crisis, comforting, supporting each other or were they apart? How well did the adults cope? Another important issue to consider is the media. Was the child exposed to repeated pictures and reports of the fires or earthquake damage over many days? Did the child have an adult close by to help process the images and words?

So what can we do to support our children at times of natural disasters?

• It is important to give children the opportunity to talk and ask questions about these on-going events, in a caring and loving environment. Don’t dismiss seemingly obvious or strange queries. Listen for a possible hidden anxiety.
• Spend as much time as you can with your children to give them a greater sense of security and connectedness. Very young children may regress in their behavior as they don’t have the verbal skills to express their feelings. Let them know that you are there to keep them safe.
• Try not to use overly-dramatic language when talking about the tragedies in front of your children, and limit the amount of media coverage they are exposed to. The graphic nature of the photos could cause them more anxiety and unnecessary worry.
• Let your children know how family members and friends, who they may be concerned about, are managing during this time. Talk about others in a reassuring way.
• Don’t wait until your child is showing signs of distress, to talk about managing the effect of the fires or other tragedy. Some children will keep their emotions bottled up and the clue to their state of mind may be a change in their behaviour. They may seem very quiet or unusually aggressive, or cling to you more than is normal.
• Understand and accept that different children react to loss and anxiety in different ways. Be sensitive to these differences and allow your child to express him/herself.
• Continue with your family routines as much as possible, to assist in generating a feeling of being safe. Share fun times together.
• Be aware of your children’s needs at this time and look for ways to meet those needs quickly and effectively, by listening carefully and observing your children.
• Remember that the younger the child, the less the understanding will be of the true situation, and the less able he/she is to talk about feelings and worries. Look for changes in behaviour or health to indicate misunderstanding or stress. Move quickly to clarify and comfort.
• If there is on-going or deepening anxiety in your family about the impact of such occurrences, do seek professional help.
  There are several helplines available for parents on a range of issues.(Please refer to list of these support services below)

Reference Guide to Support Services for Parents

Parentline: Weekdays 8am – midnight Weekends 10am – 10pm 13 22 89

Lifeline (24 hours counselling service) 13 11 14

Maternal and Child Health Line (24 hours) 13 22 29

Pregnancy Support 1300 139 313

Poison Info Centre (24 hours) 13 11 26

Family Drug Helpline 1300 660 068

Nurse-on-call 1300 606 024

Kidsafe Vic 9345 6471

SIDS & Kids 1300 308 307

Medicines Line 1300 888 763

Stepfamily Helpline 9481 1500

Playgroup Australia 1800 171 882

Australian Breastfeeding Association (24 hours) 9885 0653

Parent Helpline for parents of premature babies 1300 773 622

Australian Government Child Support Agency 131 272

Family Relationship Advice Line: Weekdays 8am – 8pm Saturdays 10am – 4pm 1800 050 321

Mentor Maestro 9889 3991

Janet Powell, The Parenting Coach, of Mentor Maestro can help you find the answers within yourself to your parenting challenges. You will learn how a simple process can have you achieving your goals in your family more often, more calmly, with our unique programmes. For more Helpful Hints, visit www.mentormaestro.com, sign up for the free e-newsletter, contact janet@mentormaestro.com for details of the next programme, or call Janet on 9889-3991. Find out how your parenting can be easier and more fun! Individual parent coaching now available in person or over the ‘phone.