Helping your child cope after a disaster
Natural disasters and tragic events can be unsettling for everyone, especially babies and young children.
After a disaster, you might notice your child:
- Seeking more cuddles and attention
- Acting differently than usual
- Seeming more anxious or unsettled
- Crying more or having more tantrums
These are normal reactions to stress, and with reassurance and stability, your child will begin to feel safe again.
Ways you can help your child cope after a disaster
- Keep routines as normal as possible. Familiar daily rhythms like mealtimes, bath time, and bedtime help create a sense of security.
- Talk about feelings. Even if young children can’t fully express themselves, knowing it’s okay to feel upset or confused can help them process emotions.
- Answer questions simply and honestly. Offer age-appropriate reassurance to help them understand what has happened.
- Make space for play and connection. Reading, playing, and spending quiet time together can ease stress and build resilience. Young children process emotions through play, drawing, or simple conversations. Reading books like Birdie’s Tree about similar experiences can also help them make sense of what’s happened.
- Limit exposure to distressing news. Young children pick up on more than we realise, so keeping media coverage to a minimum can help protect their emotional wellbeing.
- Stay connected. Regular contact with teachers, carers, and familiar faces can provide extra comfort and support.
- Be patient with changes in behaviour. Whether your child is clingier than usual, struggling with sleep, or having more tantrums, these reactions are temporary and often pass with time and support.
Looking after yourself
To care for your child, you also need to care for yourself. Stressful events affect the whole family, and it’s okay to acknowledge when things feel overwhelming. Rest when you can, talk to friends or family, and accept help that’s offered.
When to seek extra support
Most young children recover well with support from their parents and caregivers. However, if your child’s behaviour continues to be unusual, interferes with daily life, or affects their relationships, it may be time to seek extra help.
There are many support options available to help you, your child, and your family navigate difficult times. If you’re concerned, talk to your doctor, child health nurse, or the Outback Futures team.
Remember, reaching out for help isn’t a sign of weakness—it’s a way to ensure you and your child get the support you need.
Resources for during and immediately after a disaster:
- What parents can expect during and immediately after a disaster
- Caring for your baby or toddler in an emergency – breastfeeding and feeding tips from Australian Breastfeeding Association
Resources for when you are in recovery after a disaster:
- What parents can expect in the weeks and months following a disaster
- What parents can expect in the long term after a disaster or community trauma
- The importance of story and play for young children following a natural disaster
- Birdie’s Tree storybooks Birdie, Mr Frog and their friends help each other through hard times and natural disasters. Read or listen online for free. Written in Queensland.
- Growing together through natural disasters – handbook for families with babies and toddlers
- Growing together through natural disasters – handbook for pregnancy and early parenthood
- Teens – what if things don’t go back to normal?
- Disaster response information for kids and teens from Kids Helpline
- Teens and young adults – coping with natural disasters
Outback Futures provides allied and mental health support for people in the bush. Find out more and connect with our team.
