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Parents and caregivers are a source of strength and support for their children to help them be resilient and recover from scary weather events, including floods. With support from family, community, and organizations most children will recover from these events over time. Some common reactions that you may see from your child after a flood or scary weather event include:

• Increased anxiety and concerns related to storms and safety
• Changes in behavior such as difficulty concentrating, being clingier than usual, difficulty expressing self and emotions
• Complaints about physical ailments
• Changes in school  performance
• Difficulty falling or staying asleep

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has identified the following ways for parents and caregivers to support children including:

• Model appropriate coping and problem-solving
• Provide accurate information, and answer questions with age-appropriate details
• Keep routines as much as possible
• Monitor media and social  media information that children are viewing
• Seek additional help if  behavioral changes or reactions worsen or persist after 6 weeks of the hurricane or scary weather event

Parent tips for specific ages:

• Infants and Toddlers: https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//pfa_parent_tips_for_helping_infants_and_toddlers_after_disasters.pdf‍
• Preschool Age Children https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//pfa_parent_tips_for_helping_preschool_age_children_after_disasters.pdf
• School Age Children School Age Children after Disasters: https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//after_the_hurricane_helping_young_children_heal.pd‍‍
• Adolescents https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//pfa_parent_tips_for_helping_adolescents_after_disasters.pdf

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Resources for supporting children after natural disasters and hurricanes:

• Meadows Mental Health Policy Institute: Helping Children After a Natural Disaster
  https://mmhpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/TAG_HelpingChildrenAfterNaturalDisaster_Handout_2025.pdf‍

• Common Sense Media: Explaining the News to Our Kids
  https://www.commonsensemedia.org/articles/explaining-the-news-to-our-kids
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• PJ Library: Resources to Help Parents and Kids Talk about Scary Situations
  https://pjlibrary.org/beyond-books/pjblog/october-2018/how-to-talk-about-violence-with-kids
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• American Academy of Pediatrics: Talking with Children About Disasters
  https://www.healthychildren.org/English/healthy-living/emotional-wellness/Pages/Talking-to-Children-about-Disasters.aspx
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• PBS Kids: Helping Children with Tragic Events in the News
  https://www.pbs.org/parents/thrive/helping-children-with-tragic-events-in-the-news
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The National Alliance for Children's Grief provides the following resources:

• ‍Talking to Children about Death and Dying
  https://indd.adobe.com/view/23176ffb-5edf-4640-b906-3318ea8808c0
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• Talking to a Child or Teen to Let them know Someone has Died
  https://indd.adobe.com/view/1006d8fd-c2ac-4894-84ea-8d2f392d47eb
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• Talking about End of LIfe Memorials and Rituals
  https://indd.adobe.com/view/07f2e20a-8deb-4d65-b4a6-66b6e508dc43

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Alexander Jewish Family Service Behavioral and Mental Health Services:

• ‍Grief Guide to Help Individuals Cope with Loss: DOWNLOAD GRIEF GUIDE
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• Counseling for Children & Teens: If you’re unsure how to support your child or adolescent during this difficult time, you are not alone—and we’re here to help. Our team offers guidance, counseling, and resources tailored to the unique needs of children and adolescents. Contact us at Childrensmhp@alexanderjfs.org or 713-986-7825.
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• Counseling for Adults: Please don’t hesitate to reach out—we’re just a call or click away.  Contact us at Adultcounseling@alexanderjfs.org or 713-986-7825.

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