Help Children Handle Stress During Natural Disasters
(Posted on 7/7/2008)
Recent flooding, tornadoes and other severe weather events are causing disruption and changes for many Iowa families. Dealing with damaged or destroyed homes and businesses, changes in working hours and employment, and crop and livestock losses have adults reeling. “But the grown-ups aren’t the only ones concerned,” says Mary L. Hughes, family life field specialist with Iowa State University Extension. “The stress of these circumstances affects children, too,” Mary said. “Children need support as they experience stress. They may not have the coping skills that adults have developed. Children may have difficulty putting their feelings and concerns into words and, instead, keep their feelings to themselves.”