Helping Your Child Cope After the Storm

By Amy McRee, NEWS 9

OKLAHOMA CITY -- Even if a child doesn't directly experience a disaster, exposure to it through TV or even friends can lead to distress. Helping your child cope with the trauma is important.

After a severe storm, your child may experience:
-fear that it will happen again
-sleeplessness
-nightmares
-fear of separation
-change in eating patterns
-complaints of aches and pains
-withdrawal from friends
-angry outbursts.

To help your child cope:
-talk about the event and list to their concerns
-answer their questions honestly and with words they can understand
-be patient and understanding
-give assurance that they will be taken care of
-maintain normal routines
-limit exposure to additional trauma

Professional help may also be needed. The Oklahoma State Department of Health has linked information about how to cope with a storm.