Natural Disaster Support

Natural disasters can be traumatizing to students and families.  We can help children recover from potentially traumatic events by talking with students about their feelings and by answering their questions. The resources below offer suggestions to parents and educators on how to talk to their children about natural disasters.

Suggestions for Supporting Students

Encourage students to ask questions.  Students often have questions about the natural disaster, the impact it will have on their lives as well as the impact that it may have on families members in other places.

Use developmentally appropriate language when talking about natural disasters.  Complex or abstract language can make it harder for students to understand sensitive topics.  Use common language, concrete examples, honesty and direct answers to ensure that students are getting the information that they need to answer their questions.

Limit exposure to the media.  Repeated exposure to graphic images of natural disaster can cause undue stress to children.  It is recommended that caregivers limit media reports about the event, including social media and news reports.

Share ideas with students on how to cope with their feelings.  Drawing, writing in a journal, deep breathing and sharing stories are all ways that student can cope with their feelings.  Give students opportunities to use and practice these and other coping skills.  

Teacher Resources

• Helping Children After a Natural Disaster   National Association of School Psychologists: Tips to talking to students about natural disasters
• Taking Care of Your Emotional Health After a Disaster American Red Cross: Information and resources for mental health recovery after a disaster
• Tips for Talking with and Helping Children and Youth Cope After a Disaster or Traumatic Event  SAMHSA: Tips for talking with children
• Talking to Children About Floods, Hurricanes, and Other Natural Disasters Taking the Kids: Parental tips for talking to children about their feelings after a natural disaster
• Talking to Children About Disasters Healthy Children: How to share basic information with children about natural disasters
• Taking Care of your Emotional Health after Natural Disaster
• Helping Children after A Natural Disaster

Contact the Behavioral Health Services department for additional support.

• Andria Amador - aamador@bostonpublicschools.org
• Behavioral Health Services website
• Social Emotional Learning and Wellness website