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Article · April 28, 2025

Helping Children Manage Anxiety Before, During and After an Emergency

Emergencies can be particularly frightening for children and helping them manage anxiety during and after these events is crucial for their emotional well-being. See the National Child Traumatic Stress Network for more resources and tips.

Here are some tips from the Oregon Department of Emergency Management on how to support children through these challenging times:

Before an Emergency: Preparation and Communication

Talk openly: Have open and honest conversations about potential emergencies. Use age-appropriate language to explain what might happen and what steps your family will take to stay safe.
Create a plan: Involve children in creating an emergency plan. Practice drills and make sure they know what to do and where to go in case of an emergency.
Build a kit together: Let children help assemble an emergency kit. Include comfort items like their favorite toy or blanket to provide a sense of security.

During an Emergency: Providing Reassurance

Stay calm: Children often look to adults for cues on how to react. Stay as calm and composed as possible to help them feel more secure. More tips here. [link to Staying Clam]
Provide reassurance: Continuously reassure children that you are doing everything possible to keep them safe. Use a soothing tone and provide physical comfort with hugs or holding their hand.
Keep them informed: Explain what is happening in simple terms and let them know what actions you are taking. Avoid overwhelming them with too much information.

After an Emergency: Supporting Recovery

Encourage expression: Allow children to talk about their experiences and express their feelings through words, drawings, or play. Validate their emotions and reassure them that it’s okay to feel scared or upset.
Maintain routines: Try to maintain normal routines and schedules as much as possible. Familiar activities and structure can provide a sense of normalcy and stability.
Limit media exposure: Reduce exposure to news and images of the emergency, which can be frightening and re-traumatizing for children.
Watch for signs of stress: Be alert for changes in behavior, such as trouble sleeping, increased clinginess, or changes in appetite. These can be signs of anxiety or stress.

Long-Term Support: Building Resilience

Offer continuous support: Check in regularly with children to see how they are feeling and coping. Provide ongoing emotional support and be patient as they process their experiences.
Encourage healthy coping skills: Teach children healthy ways to cope with stress, such as deep breathing, mindfulness exercises, and physical activities like playing outside or sports.
Seek professional help if needed: If anxiety persists or significantly impacts a child's daily life, consider seeking help from a mental health professional who specializes in working with children.

Helping children manage anxiety during and after an emergency involves preparation, reassurance, and ongoing support. By taking these steps, you can help children feel more secure and resilient in the face of adversity.

Remember, your calm and supportive presence is one of the most important factors in helping children navigate and recover from emergencies. See the articles below for more tips on managing your mental health during a crisis so you can help your children manage theirs.

More Resources: