It’s important to ensure that children’s emotional health and well being is looked after, following a disaster or traumatic event, such as the recent bush fires on the Mid North Coast.
Following are some key points to help support children immediately following the event:
Reunite children with their loved ones, carers and famliy as soon as possible. If they do happen to be separated, where possible try to connect them with their loved ones via other forms such as; video calls, phone calls etc.
Limit their exposure to media coverage of the event, often news coverage and images are repetitive and can cause unnecessary stress and anxiety.
Provide children with comfort, reassurance and emotional support.
Allow children to talk or ask questions about the event if they need too, however do not push them to do so.
Return to normal routines as soon as possible, including for yourself and be sure to include something that the children find joyful.
Reconnecting younger children with their play. Play allows children to be able to express themselves in a way that makes sense to them, is non threatening and doesn’t require them to have to vebalise what has occurred.
Emerging Minds had a range of useful resources, including this short video
FREE Mental Health Support is also available for those affected by the bush fires on the mid north coast or in northern NSW call Healthy Minds on 1300 160 339.
