Child Stress & Trauma & Sandy's Aftermath

Family Service of Rhode Island’s child trauma and loss center has tips to help children deal with stress in the aftermath of Hurricane Sandy.

Susan Erstling, PhD

"Sandy was a serious disruption in our lives, and young children may react to this in multiple ways,” said Susan Erstling, PhD, who heads the center at Family Service of Rhode Island, which is the National Child Traumatic Stress Network site for Rhode Island.

 “Depending on the child’s age and level of development, reactions may include problems at school, difficulties sleeping, fear, and withdrawal from friends and family,” she said.

Some quick tips from Dr. Erstling to lessen childhood stress:

1) Parents should try to remain calm. This sets an example for how to manage stress.

2) One of the best lessons to teach a child is to have plans and back-up plans for moving forward. It sets an example of preparation and recovery and how to master stress. “We want our children to think this way,” she said.

3) Find alternatives to watching media reports. Focus attention on fun and productive activities and positive energy. Limit exposure to adult conversations which may frighten younger children.

4) Try to keep to routines.

5) Be prepared to answers questions, and truly listen to fears.

6) Children may worry about relatives and friends, so keep up communications with others if possible.

“If the child continues to show unusual behavior several weeks after the storm, a professional evaluation from a mental health professional would be advised,” she said.

More child stress prevention tips are available here.

Family Service of Rhode Island is a human service and education nonprofit organization.