Talking To Children About A Pandemic

Helping Kids Cope With Stress, Trauma And Emergencies

Oct 24, 2009
Scott Rupp

Children need assurance during trauma - istock photo

Children need extra attention in time of stress and trauma, but there are ways to help them cope by offering them extra attention, speaking to them and asking questions.

Children obviously don’t cope with emergency situations as well as their parents. Thus it’s up to the adult to set an example in times of emergency and stress so that the child doesn’t become overwhelmed by world events.

When stressful times abound – whether due to the economy, situations in the home, and especially in times of a health crisis – parents ought to consider taking action to make sure their children don’t become stressed, depressed, or even ill.

During times of a world health crisis, it can be hard for children to understand stressful situations such as a pandemic. Children who have witnessed serious illness or death, either directly or through the media, are likely to have an increased sense of vulnerability, fear and anxiety.

Stressful situations can cause children to worry and to ask lots of questions about what is happening in the world, how it can be fixed and if the emergency is going to affect their way of life and well-being.

Coping With Stressful Situations

If adults and parent can control their emotions and cope well with a stressful situation, children will too. Calm support and guidance will ease a child’s worries and help them feel safe and secure.

To help children cope with trauma, emergencies and stress, follow these tips:

Ask them what they know or have heard about the pandemic and encourage them to ask questions and provide honest explanations of what they understand.
Limit the amount of television, Internet and exposure to adult conversations about the pandemic. Answer the questions they have that have come from conversations with their friends.
When older children watch television coverage of the pandemic, watch with them and discuss what’s happening and how they feel about it.
Let children express their feelings and concerns about a pandemic. Share your own G-rated feelings about the event and remain in control of your emotions, modeling good behavior and emotional control.
Reassure children about what is being done to control the pandemic and what is being done to keep him or her safe.
Maintain normalcy. Don’t change, or limit the amount of change, to a child’s daily activities.
Give children more affection and attention, especially in times of trauma.
When dealing with the flu pandemic, make sure children to wash their hands, cover their mouths when they sneeze or cough, and do not share food or drinks.

Signs That Kids Are Having A Difficult Time Coping With Stress

Kids may show signs that they are having difficulty coping with stress. Parents should watch for any unusual behaviors such as the following to help their children cope with stress:

Neediness, separation anxiety, irritability, jumpiness, sadness, worry, listlessness;
Poor concentration, exaggeration, blaming, pouting, short attention span, obsessive and intense play;
Lack of interest in previously enjoyed activities, depression, withdrawal, trouble getting along with others, defiance or other behavioral problems; and
Physical symptoms like fatigue, headaches, hair loss, increased heartbeat, stomach aches, changes in appetite, nightmares, difficulty sleeping, sleeping too much, changes in school performance or changes in activity levels.

Reference:

Speaking with Kids During Trauma and Emergency”; Oregon Health Authority; The Benefits Bulletin, October 2009.