Helping children cope during and after a hurricane

With Hurricane Melissa making landfall on the island, the nation has been on high alert, concerned about its impact and aftermath. Parents face the crucial responsibility of staying calm amid the storm, modelling composure for their children as they cope with strong winds, heavy rainfall, and the challenges of life without electricity and running water. Clinical psychologist Michelle Harrison shares a few ways mothers and fathers can support their little ones during this time.

As adults, it is important to pour from a full cup — or at least one that is half full. A helpful way to reduce worry and anxiety is to limit media coverage of disasters. “Identify one or two reliable and credible sources for information. Avoid sources that may exaggerate or sensationalise coverage. Be mindful of photos and videos you view around them as these may be frightening or overwhelming,” she explains to Lifestyle.

Going into family mode, with the children home from school, it is crucial to maintain a daily routine for them. Harrison recommends creating a schedule that includes set mealtimes and bedtime. This is also the perfect time to incorporate interactive activities with the children and spend quality time together as a family. “Use this occasion as an opportunity to spend time together playing games, telling stories, [and] doing activities such as drawing or colouring,” she added.

Hurricanes can be very frightening. The sounds and sights are unsettling for adults, so one can only imagine how overwhelming they are for children.

“Talk to your children. They may have a lot of questions, especially given the uncertainty. Answer these questions as best as you can, and include them in researching the answers. Be honest when you are unsure of an answer,” she said, adding, “Also, validate their feelings. Your child or children may experience feelings such as anxiety, worry, fear. Acknowledge those feelings and give them the space to talk freely about them.”

Harrison is also encouraging parents to create a safe space for their offspring. From a physical standpoint, show them just how you have prepared for this natural disaster and the plans you have made to help keep them safe as you all ride out the storm. “Work with them to identify strategies for remaining safe after the storm as well,” she added.

On a mental note, look out for serious signs of nervousness such as nightmares, bed wetting, difficulty sleeping, and unusual clinginess. One way to mitigate this is by allowing your child or children to keep comfort items such as teddy bears, stuffed toys, dolls, action figures, toy cars, or blankets with them. This will help them feel safe.

Also, understand that just as it takes a village to raise a child, it is important to check in with, lean on, and support other loved ones as well. “Create opportunities for them to connect with other family members and friends. In the absence of Internet and electricity, it may mean making a short phone call to check-in if possible.”

krysta.anderson@gleanerjm.com

Additional tips sourced from ChildMind.org, the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) , and Red Cross.

Post-Hurricane tips for kids

After the hurricane, children may continue to feel anxious or unsettled. Here are additional tips that can help them process their emotions and regain a sense of normalcy:

• Let children help unpack or organise supplies to give them a sense of control.

• Play simple indoor games or board games to restore routine and fun.

• Encourage drawing or journalling about what they experienced.

• Set up a cosy corner with their favourite blanket or toys.

• Take short walks outside (if safe) to release energy and reconnect with nature.

• Praise small achievements, like finishing homework or helping with chores.