Following a disaster or traumatic event, children may become:
- withdrawn and quiet,
- irritable or angry,
- prone to headaches and/or stomach aches,
- more likely to regress to younger behaviours (i.e., thumb sucking, bedwetting, baby talk),
- clingy,
- prone to overreacting to minor hurts, both physical and emotional, and
- prone to behavioural problems.
If a child continues to be acutely distressed and unable to function beyond the first week following an event, an assessment by a mental health professional is required.
The provides guidance to parents and carers in the form of . You may wish to print copies for your practice’s waiting or consultation rooms.
Further useful resources can be found below.
Resource
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Brief description
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MacKillop Seasons:
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An education program that supports children and young people to develop the knowledge, skills and attitudes required to understand and manage experiences of change and loss following natural disasters.
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Raisingchildren.net.au:
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A website containing information and activities aimed at kids, teens and families who are preparing for, responding to or recovering from a natural disaster.
Consider directing families to this website to assist them in managing the effects of disasters on kids and teenagers at home (e.g. the website provides guidance on calming exercises for kids and teenagers)
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