Helping Children Understand Hurricane Katrina

While Hurricane Katrina and its destructive path did not cross anywhere near Long Island, our children may still feel the effects of what has been described as the worst natural disaster in the U.S. Some children may have relatives or relief workers who are directly affected, while other children may be distressed because of the constant news coverage of this catastrophe. The involvement of pop stars, sports figures and other celebrities only heightens awareness among children and youth. And all families will be affected by the economic impact of Hurricane Katrina.

The recommendations below suggest ways to help children watching from a distance understand this disaster, develop empathy for victims and find ways to take constructive action.

• It may be important to reassure children and correct misunderstandings. Some may be afraid that a hurricane will destroy their homes. Let them know that hurricanes do reach Long Island but rarely with the same force which strikes the Gulf States. Tell them how we prepare for storms and how they can keep themselves safe.
  

• Although it is important to deal with children's fears, expect other emotions as well. Some children will also be sad about what is happening or they may be angry because some people are not being helped as quickly as they would like. Let them express the full range of emotions.
  

• Provide some information to children. Answer their questions, and consider looking up answers to questions you cannot answer quickly. Follow the child's lead. Stop talking about the situation when the child seems satisfied. Be prepared for new questions to appear later.
  

• Monitor media exposure. It is not appropriate for young children to see many of the images. Adults should watch when children are busy with other things. The younger the children, the less they will benefit from the news coverage. Young children are likely to lose patience quickly with the constant news reporting when a major event has occurred. They probably will not watch for long. However, some of the reporting is likely to include a large amount of action footage that gets children's attention. Parents can encourage the children to watch children's videos instead, or, better yet, they can turn off the TV and go outside or play a game.
  

• It is good for older children to learn about current events. But the intense news coverage may not be the best way to learn. A better way to help them become aware of the hurricane events may be with print media or the Internet. Newspaper pictures are not as disturbing as video. It is also possible for adults to preview a newspaper or look at a Web site before showing it to the child. Previewing cannot usually happen with live TV.
  

• Talk with children about the ways people respond to stress. Point out negative things such as violence. Explore the frustration and anger that seems to be responsible for some negative behavior. Talk with the children about what else people could do. Parents and other adults can also talk about how they deal with stress themselves. They can work with children to make plans about what they will do the next time they feel stress.
  

• Find ways to take action and help. Taking action can help children feel in control. The kind of action may vary according to the child's age. Young children benefit from play and may act out the events in the news and try to get control over the outcome. School-age children may want to collect materials to support families and relief workers or engage in creative activities like drawing, performing, or writing poems or letters. Adolescents can collect materials for the support of displaced families and survivors, give blood, write letters to specific people or communities, or organize a vigil or memorial service.

• Source: Judith A. Myers-Walls, Ph.D., Associate Professor and Extension Specialist, Child Development and Family Studies, Purdue University