We hope you are beginning to return to some sense of normalcy in your daily lives. Recovering from a disaster of the magnitude of Hurricane Michael can be extremely challenging. In addition to the rebuilding, repairing, and cleaning, come the more intangible struggles from which we also have to recover. We want to offer a few suggestions to help with the healing process.
Getting back into a routine as quickly as possible will help children begin to feel more comfortable. Even if that routine is a bit different than before, children do best with predictability and knowing what to expect. As you do so, find ways to emphasize the positives (for example: share stories of heroism and kindness to others; we got to visit Grandma!; maybe we’ll get a new car, etc.) and ask your children for their ideas on how to help others recover. Helping others not only helps those in need but your child as well.
If children want to talk about the storm, allow plenty of time for them to share their feelings. Be sure to validate your children’s emotions and reassure them that all of their feelings are okay! Keep in mind that younger children may need assistance identifying these emotions and finding the appropriate words to describe them. These conversations are best had during the day, as feelings can sometimes become magnified at night. Children may ask questions. It is suggested that you answer their questions directly, trying not to overwhelm them with information. It is best to keep media coverage to a minimum, especially for those at a younger age.
Know that your children might need more reassurance in all aspects of their lives, not just about storm safety, for a period of time. You may find that they become more fearful, want to be around you more, and need more one-on-one time. It is also common to see some regression with habits and behavior (ex.- thumb sucking, bed wetting, acting out, etc.). Adolescents and teens might seem more emotional. These are all normal aftereffects of such an event and should pass within a few weeks.
It warmed our hearts to welcome back so many of our students this morning! It is a wonderful comfort to have our campus filled with joy, laughter, and excitement once again. Our prayers continue to be with our families and those in the panhandle who have been enormously impacted. As your school guidance counselors, we are more than happy to help. Please do not hesitate to reach out if we can assist you and your children as we all process what has occurred and the vast effects it has had on our state, our community, and our personal lives.
Further suggestions and information can be found at:
American Academy of Pediatrics; talking to your children about natural disasters
American Counseling Association; typical responses according to age
Child Guidance Center; hurricane guidelines
Contributed by the HCES Guidance Team
Jenna Long, PK-1st Grade Guidance Counselor
Beth McCann, 2nd-5th Grade Guidance Counselor
Lisa Butera, Middle School Counselor
Jenna Long, PK-1st Grade Guidance Counselor
Beth McCann, 2nd-5th Grade Guidance Counselor
Lisa Butera, Middle School Counselor
