The destruction and flooding brought by Hurricane Harvey is hard to fathom. During crises such as this, it can be difficult for children and adolescents, and for parents who are unsure how to support them.
Austin Child Guidance Center's answers the question, "What are we supposed to tell our kids about Hurricane Harvey?" A couple suggestions...
Remember, open dialogue is key during this time! This is a perfect opportunity to model healthy coping skills (printable list!)
The Center for Parenting Education also posted an excellent article about How To Talk To Children When Disaster or Traumatic Events Strike.
An app to help kids: Help Kids Cope App
Help Kids Cope will help parents talk to their kids about the disasters they may face and know how best to support them throughout-whether sheltering-in-place at home, evacuating to a designated shelter, or helping your family heal after reuniting.
As a reminder we are are here to check in with your student if you feel they need a little more support. Don't hesitate to contact us!
Finally, we are excited to announce our University of Texas Master's Level Intern will be starting next week so there will be lots of available help!
Remember, it takes a village!
Stay Healthy, Chaps!
Kristi and Katie
Austin Child Guidance Center's answers the question, "What are we supposed to tell our kids about Hurricane Harvey?" A couple suggestions...
- Do make your kids feel safe. Reassure them that you are doing everything to keep them safe and that we are OK here.
- Do give them information, but without a lot of extra information. Give simple answers. Remain calm and reassuring. If you don’t know, it’s OK to say that.
- Do normalize their feelings. Tell them: “Of course, you’re really worried about this,” then praise them for the empathy they are showing.
Remember, open dialogue is key during this time! This is a perfect opportunity to model healthy coping skills (printable list!)
The Center for Parenting Education also posted an excellent article about How To Talk To Children When Disaster or Traumatic Events Strike.
An app to help kids: Help Kids Cope App
Help Kids Cope will help parents talk to their kids about the disasters they may face and know how best to support them throughout-whether sheltering-in-place at home, evacuating to a designated shelter, or helping your family heal after reuniting.
As a reminder we are are here to check in with your student if you feel they need a little more support. Don't hesitate to contact us!
Finally, we are excited to announce our University of Texas Master's Level Intern will be starting next week so there will be lots of available help!
Remember, it takes a village!
Stay Healthy, Chaps!
Kristi and Katie
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