Resources to support parents, carers and educators
Find resources that might help you navigate disasters with babies, children and young people.
Disasters don’t affect all people in the same way. Some groups may go through extra challenges during and after these events, such as:
- parents and carers
- babies, children and young people
- educators.
These resources might help navigate these extra challenges safely and calmly.
Talking about disasters
Climate change and global issues have led to more frequent hazards and threats over recent years. Talking about disasters before they happen can help people feel better prepared.
For children and young people, it helps them make sense of what is happening around them. This can help them feel more in control, which can promote a sense of calm.
Disasters do not need to be happening nearby for children and young people to feel distressed. Many see these events on the news and on social media. Seeing these images or stories can overwhelm children and young people. Sometimes just as much as if they were happening close to home.
Climate change is a big concern for many young people. Taking proactive steps to reduce the impacts of climate change, can help reduce stress.
Resources to help you talk to children and young people about disasters
Planning for disasters
Planning for disasters with children and young people can help them stay safe and calm when disasters occur. Children of all ages can take part in disaster‑ready activities. They can help with tasks such as packing an emergency kit. They can also have a role in the household emergency plan.
Caring for babies and young children can be harder during a disaster. Parents and carers need to think about additional needs, such as:
- nappies
- feeding supplies
- food
- comfort items like cuddly toys
- how the baby will sleep.
Supporting children or young people with additional needs can also be stressful during a disaster. It can feel even harder if you need to move to a safer place that you don’t know.
Resources to help you plan for disasters with babies, children and young people
Helping to recover from disasters
Children and young people often react differently from adults after disasters. Each child and young person also copes in their own way. Many factors can shape how children and young people respond. These include:
- their age
- stage of development
- what happened during the disaster
- what their life was like before.
After a disaster, getting back to everyday routines can help. Things like going back to school or attending regular events. Support from friends, family and support services can make a difference too. All these things can help children and young people to feel secure.
Parents, carers and educators can support children and young people by taking the time to listen to them. Encourage them to share what’s on their mind. Whether through discussion, play or art. This helps children and young people make sense of their emotions.
Resources to support children and young people
Resources to support parents and carers
When adults are feeling stressed, they should acknowledge this and model coping methods. This helps children learn how to manage their own strong emotions in a healthy way.