Hurricane Katrina: Helping Young Children

NAEYC: The National Association for the Education of Young Children offers advice for helping children cope with disasters such as Hurricane Katrina.

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In an article entitled Helping Young Children After a Disaster the organization stresses that exposure to images via media coverage should be severely restricted:

"The most important thing families and other adults can do is make sure children aren't over-exposed to media coverage of the disaster. More than any other action, avoiding media coverage will protect children from confusing and disturbing images."

Included in the article are details on the following key things parents and others can do to assist children:

• Offer reassurance through physical closeness
• Maintain structure
• Respond to children's interest in talking about the disaster
• Offer experiences that help children release tension
• Watch for changes in behavior
• Take care of yourself

Information on how you can contribute to relief agencies is also posted.