Helping Children and Adults Cope with Trauma in the Community

Adapted from http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/sept11/public.htm

Pay attention to your own feelings and concerns. Take care of yourself.
Be aware that your moods and feelings will affect those around you.
Allow staff members time to talk and to express their feelings and concerns.
Provide guidance for families and staff members on how to help children deal with anxiety related to trauma and crisis. Call in consultants or experts if necessary.
Be aware that distress related to traumatic events may not show up immediately among adults or children.
Help families and staff sort out their feelings. Do not be judgmental. Keep in mind that there will be a wide range of reactions and experiences to any crisis.
Encourage parents to monitor their children’s television viewing, especially the news and shows with violent content, including cartoons.
Reassure children that they and their families are safe. Provide extra comfort and contact frequently.
Maintain the typical, daily schedule of activities. This consistency will help children feel more secure and in control.
Be honest and open about traumatic events if the children are talking about them but carefully consider each child’s developmental level when giving information.
Acknowledge the children’s questions, even if you can only say, “I don’t know the answer.”
Do not tolerate prejudiced comments or behavior. Deal with them openly and immediately.
Create a climate of respect, tolerance, and acceptance of diversity in your setting.
Accentuate the positive. Point out the good around you (e.g., the rescue workers).
Pay attention to physical complaints, especially if they last more than one week or are severe. See a health care professional.
Monitor particularly vulnerable children.

Resources

Although some of these resources were developed in response to the events of September 11th, they also provide general advice about dealing with crisis and trauma in a community.

http://www.acf.dhhs.gov/sept11/public.htm
“Helping Children Handle Anxiety Related to September 11 Events”
“Coping with Disaster: Suggestions for Helping Children with Cognitive Disabilities” (Accessible in Spanish, Chinese, Vietnamese)

http://www.naeyc.org/coping_with_disaster.htm
“Helping Children Cope with Disaster”

http://www.nasponline.org/NEAT/crisis_0911.html
“Coping with a National Tragedy”

http://www.nimh.nih.gov/publicat/violence.cfm
“Helping Children and Adolescents Cope with Violence and Disasters”