Creating Supportive Environments When Scary Things Happen

• 2022

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About

This tip sheet describes ways to help children and families feel safe and connected during scary or stressful times. It suggests keeping routines, creating family rituals, balancing activity and rest, limiting media exposure, asking open questions about feelings, helping kids name their emotions, being patient with silence, and showing understanding. These steps can make children feel more secure even when things are uncertain. The goal is to create a supportive environment where everyone feels cared for and less anxious.

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Tags

Focus Areas: Mental Health; Natural Disasters; Severe Weather; Trauma; Violence

Audience: Families & Children

Emergency Management Stages: Mitigation; Response; Preparedness (Prevention / Protection)

Keywords: Child Welfare; Disasters; Family Relations; Parent-Child Relations; Social Support; Stress, Psychological; Emotional Adjustment; Resilience, Psychological; Psychological First Aid

Institutions: National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

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Helping Young Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers 2014 · National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Helping School-Age Children with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers 2014 · National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) Helping Teens with Traumatic Grief: Tips for Caregivers 2014 · National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

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The information provided on this website is for educational purposes only. It does not substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified health provider with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition.

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