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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

Additional resources for supporting children after natural disasters and hurricanes:

• Helping Children After a Natural Disaster:  
  https://mmhpi.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/07/TAG_HelpingChildrenAfterNaturalDisaster_Handout_2025.pdf‍
• Parent Tips for Helping Infants and Toddlers after Disasters: https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//pfa_parent_tips_for_helping_infants_and_toddlers_after_disasters.pdf‍
• Parent Tips for Helping Preschool Age Children after Disasters: https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//pfa_parent_tips_for_helping_preschool_age_children_after_disasters.pdf‍
• Parent Tips for Helping School Age Children after Disasters: https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//after_the_hurricane_helping_young_children_heal.pdf‍
• Parent Tips for Helping Adolescents after Disasters: https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//pfa_parent_tips_for_helping_adolescents_after_disasters.pdf‍
• After a Hurricane: Helping Your Child Heal:
  ‍https://www.nctsn.org/sites/default/files/resources//after_the_hurricane_helping_young_children_heal.pdf

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Alexander Jewish Family Service Behavioral and Mental Health Services Team offers a grief guide to help individuals cope with loss.

DOWNLOAD GRIEF GUIDE

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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.

For support 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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