As Nebraskans recover from the aftermath of flooding and disasters, it is likely you, your family, children, and youth will experience a wide range of emotions. Many children and youth often do not have the experiences and knowledge needed to understand and feel safe during a disaster. We know that as parents and educators, you want answers and resources regarding what to do before, during, and after an emergency event. Keeping children and young people informed about situations like flooding is important to help calm emotions and to ease the transition process.
Below are also some tips for working and communicating with children and youth:
• Be a calm and reassuring presence. Remind children and youth that over time, things will get better.
• Acknowledge feelings and allow children and youth to talk about their feeling and concerns. Let them know that it is okay to be sad, scared, or confused.
• Build resiliency. Help children and youth think about positive coping skills. It might be reading a book, blowing bubbles, going for a walk, writing in a journal, engaging in an art project, or thinking about things that they are thankful for.
• Simply listen. If ever children and youth need adults to listen, it is now.
Remember you don’t have to have all the answers. Silence is okay. Children and youth just need to know you care.
For additional resources, please visit Nebraska Extension's Supporting Children and Youth Disaster Resources website. Materials are available that may be helpful for you, your family, your children, and your community.
If you have any further questions or would like more information, please email us at floodresponse@unl.edu. Learning Child and 4-H campus and county-based experts are ready to help support children, youth, and the adults in their lives during these events.
More details at: https://child.unl.edu/disaster