07/16/2025
🌀 Talking to Your Kids About the Floods: A Compassionate Guide for Parents
1. Start With Safety
Begin by reassuring your child that they are safe.
“We’re okay right now. We’re home, and we’re together. The flood was serious, but we’re safe.”
If your home was affected, add:
“There was some damage, but we’ve got help. Grown-ups are working hard to fix things.”
2. Let Them Ask Questions
Kids may ask hard or unexpected things. That’s okay. Keep answers honest, clear, and age-appropriate.
Child: “Did anyone die?” Parent: “Yes, some people were hurt and some passed away. It’s very sad. A lot of people are helping the families right now.”
3. Use Simple Explanations
Adjust language to their age level.
Young kids: “A flood is when water rises really high and fast, like an overflowing tub.”
Older kids: “A natural disaster is when weather becomes dangerous. This time, it caused serious flooding.”
4. Name and Normalize Feelings
“It’s okay to feel scared, sad, or even mad. Grown-ups feel that way too.”
Let them express feelings through:
Talking
Drawing or writing
Playing
Cuddling
5. Be Honest About What You Don’t Know
“I don’t know the answer to that, but that’s a really good question. Let’s try to find out together.”
6. Reinforce Hope and Help
Talk about the helpers.
“So many people are helping—rescuers, volunteers, and neighbors. There are always people who care.”
If possible, let your child help too:
Draw thank-you cards
Donate toys or clothes
Help pack food or water
7. Limit Media Exposure
Too much coverage can increase anxiety.
“Let’s take a break from the news for now. I’d rather hear how you’re feeling.”
8. Stick to Routines
Predictability brings comfort.
“We’re still going to read before bed, even if we’re staying somewhere else right now.”
9. Model Coping
Let them see you name and manage your feelings.
“I’m feeling overwhelmed, so I’m going to take some deep breaths. Want to do it with me?”
10. Keep Checking In
Make it an ongoing conversation.
“I know we talked about the flood. Have you had any new thoughts or feelings since then?”
🚫 What Not to Say to Kids About the Floods 🚫
Even with good intentions, some responses can overwhelm kids. Here's what to avoid — and what to say instead:
❌ Too much detail about death or destruction
✅ Instead say: “Some people were hurt and some died. It’s very sad, and we’re thinking of their families.”
❌ Speculating or catastrophizing
(“We could’ve drowned too,” “This might happen again next week!”)
✅ Instead say: “We’re doing everything we can to stay safe and take care of each other.”
❌ Making false promises
(“That will never happen again.”)
✅ Instead say: “We can’t always stop bad weather, but we do have ways to prepare and stay safe.”
❌ Making them feel responsible for your emotions
✅ Instead say: “I’m sad too, but I’m okay. Grown-ups have ways of working through hard feelings, just like you will.”
🆘 When to Seek Professional Help
If your child is experiencing any of the following for more than 2-4 weeks, it may be time to get extra support:
⚠️ Behavioral Signs:
Regression (bedwetting, thumb-sucking, clinginess)
Nightmares or trouble sleeping
Withdrawing from friends/family
Avoiding school or activities
Anger outbursts or meltdowns
⚠️ Emotional Signs:
Ongoing sadness or fear
Constant worrying
Numbness or detachment
Talking about death or saying things like “I wish I wasn’t here”
⚠️ Physical Signs:
Headaches, stomachaches, or nausea with no clear cause
Fatigue or low energy
Changes in appetite or sleep
📞 What to Say When Calling a Provider:
“We’ve recently experienced a natural disaster, and my child is having a hard time coping. I’m noticing changes in their behavior and mood. I’d like to speak with someone who can help.”
💛 Final Thought
You don’t need perfect answers. Your calm presence and willingness to listen are what your child needs most.
Please see the following links for more information:
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Pages/Responding-to-Childrens-Emotional-Needs-During-Times-of-Crisis.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawLY_E5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNUERLNlFiR2RtSUNTT3BHAR534WO1jeldQBxcl3boF2D2qfTI4SouQylFaTNIM0pGxwmA8zPOWm1zDERnpg_aem_CuoA1W8IcQMIp-Jmt1YaEQ
https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Pages/Responding-to-Childrens-Emotional-Needs-During-Times-of-Crisis.aspx?fbclid=IwY2xjawLY_E5leHRuA2FlbQIxMABicmlkETFNUERLNlFiR2RtSUNTT3BHAR534WO1jeldQBxcl3boF2D2qfTI4SouQylFaTNIM0pGxwmA8zPOWm1zDERnpg_aem_CuoA1W8IcQMIp-Jmt1YaEQ
