talking to children about natural disasters

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What a month we are having here in Australia! We are facing extreme weather changes in each state around the country and we have endured heat waves, flooding and bushfire's raging out of control. It has been heartbreaking to watch and as someone who does not spend a lot of time watching television, I have found myself glued to the screen keeping myself updated on what is taking place. The footage has been difficult for me to view and emotionally deal with and that has led me to thinking more about how we can talk to our children about natural disasters that are currently taking place. 

It is almost impossible to avoid any footage of natural disasters when they occur and we have had the opportunity to talk to our children about the flooding that is currently taking place here in Brisbane. With natural disasters on the rise, I wanted to share with you my tips on how to help children during this time:

1. Monitor television watching: If you have young children be aware and sensitive to what they see on television. Images from natural disasters can stay imprinted in young minds for a long time. Especially if there are other children involved. Be mindful that if you are going to watch special coverage or the news that they will show distressing images. As parents you know what your child can cope with and turn the television off if needed. You can always look it up later on the internet. 

2. Be present when the television is on: I have found it really helpful to be present when my children are watching television during a natural disaster. This way I am aware and up to date on what they have seen and have something to refer to if they ask me any questions about it. It also allows me to see their reaction to the natural disaster that is taking place. Being present allows me to see body language changes, hear what they may say in reaction to images, to answer any questions and to see if they feel scared. 

3. Ask what they know: Don't be afraid to bring up the topic of what is taking place with a natural disaster and ask them what they already know about it. You will be surprised just how much children do know. They hear pieces on the radio in the car, see snippets on the television, talk about it at school and even talk/message about it with their friends.

4. Be mindful of your reaction: With some footage that I have seen on television, I have felt shocked and saddened. Even though I have felt this way and have wanted to really cry and gasp out loud, I have been mindful that my children are in the room with me and kept my comments brief and emotions more under control. I have at times shown emotion by shedding a few tears in front of my children but my main emphasis is to try not to pass on any fears that you have. I have saved my real shock until later when I have had the chance to chat with my husband.

5. Educate your children: To help your children feel more safe and secure, inform them with correct facts about how the natural disaster may affect you. If there is flooding, download a map and show them the area around you, if there is a bushfire show them how far away it is. Also if you are in an area that is at risk, clearly explain to them what steps you will follow as a family to keep safe and together. Use the internet and other sources to help provide your children with a sense of calm and peace. 

6. Focus on the good: When viewing natural disasters on television point out the good that you see happening as well. Tell them there are many people in the community doing all they can to help these people who are suffering. For example: people helping each other, charity organisations providing relief, emergency services who are answering calls, people are still smiling after what they went through etc. To take it one step further, talk about what you can do as a family to help out. You could donate money, bake some meals, help a friend of family member who has lost power and have fun planing a way to be involved. 

It is important to give children the chance to talk about what they may be feeling or seeing on television or even on the internet. We will surely face more natural disasters in the future and I hope you find these tips helpful. We have been using them in our home and it is really making a difference. 

Stay safe xx

{I want to be clear that this blog post is not about helping children who have experienced any natural disasters first hand. Our family has not had that experience and I am in no position to offer any advice or counsel to those who have. These are my personal tips I use in my home.}