NCJ Number
241892
Date Published
November 2012
Length
4 pages
Annotation
Suggestions are offered to parents, caregivers, and teachers for talking with and assisting children and youth in coping constructively with the aftermath of a disaster or other traumatic event.
Abstract
This "tip sheet" explains some common reactions of children and youth to traumatic events, ways to assist children in coping with such events in a positive way, and timing in seeking support. Possible reactions to a traumatic event are distinguished for the following age groups: 0-2 years old, 3-5 years old, 6-10 years old, and 11-19 years old. Suggestions for supporting children's recovery from trauma are intended to help them feel connected, cared for, and loved. Ways to do this include being attentive and a good listener, allowing them to ask questions, encouraging them to help others suffering from a similar event, assuring them they are not to blame for what has happened, and personal modeling of positive reactions to the trauma. These tips are tailored to the following age groups: 0-5 years old and 6-19 years old. The "tip sheet" concludes with a discussion of when to seek professional help for a child or youth in coping with a traumatic event. A listing of resources includes treatment locators, hotlines, and publications.