5 ways to help kids cope in a disaster Small children
particularly vulnerable when natural disasters strike Small
children can be particularly vulnerable when natural disasters
strike. They may be unable to understand what turned their lives
and those of their families upside down. They may be confused,
angry, fearful or saddened -- and that may manifest itself in
behavior such as bed-wetting, sleep problems and separation
anxiety, according to the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
In a disaster, children are most afraid the event will happen
again, they will lose someone close to them or they will be left
alone or separated from their family, FEMA says. Jane Farish, a
retired lecturer in child development at Stanford University and
author of "When Disaster Strikes: Helping Young Children Cope,"
offers these tips for parents and caregivers seeking to help
their young children deal with the aftermath of a disaster. 1.
Children need to be with their family and to feel safe. Physical
reassurance is a great co