(LOS ANGELES, CA)-- With the constant barrage of media images in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina, parents, teachers and caregivers need practical tips on how to address the confusion and fear of young children.
Last week, Joan Maltese, Ph.D., a First 5 LA child development consultant, clinical psychologist, and executive director of the Child Development Institute in Woodland Hills, gave tips on talking to children about disasters to 25 parents enrolled in parenting and family literacy classes at the Elizabeth Learning Center in Cudahy. First 5 LA funds comprehensive Family Literacy and School Readiness programs at this school and dozens of other locations in Los Angeles County.
"Given what they may have seen on television, it's important to communicate to your children that the violence is isolated to certain areas and they will not be harmed. Parents should try to assure children that they've done everything they can to keep their children safe," said Dr. Maltese, who designs child development training programs.
"Overexposure to the media can be traumatizing, so it's unwise to let children view footage of traumatic events over and over. Children should not watch these events alone."
Dr. Maltese suggests that parents and caregivers listen and watch for signs of children's distress, and engage youngsters in play as a way to draw out their concerns and reassure them. For more information, visit http://www.aap.org/terrorism.
For information o how LA County families can prepare for a disaster, visit www.labt.org or call the LA County Department of Health Public Health Hotline at (866)999-LABT.
First 5 LA is a child advocacy non-profit organization that invests public funds to improve the lives of children pre-natal to age five in LA County. Created by voters and funded by state tobacco tax revenue, First 5 LA champions health, education and safety issues benefiting young children and families.
TIPS FOR PARENTS AND CAREGIVERS
Communicating With Children About Disasters
First 5 LA offers this advice on how to communicate with children during times of crisis.
• It's important to communicate to children that they're safe. Given what they may have seen on television, they need to know that the violence is isolated to certain areas and they will not be harmed. Parents should try to assure children that they've done everything they can to keep their children safe.
• Children can be hard hit by these kinds of events and parents might want to watch for signs such as: sleep disturbances, fatigue, lack of pleasure in activities enjoyed previously, and initiation of illicit substance abuse.
• Overexposure to the media can be traumatizing. It's unwise to let children view footage of traumatic events over and over. Children should not watch these events alone.
• Adults need to help children understand the significance of these events. Discussion is critical. It should be stressed that the terrorist acts are ones of desperation and horror - and that they're not about politics or religion. Children should know that lashing out at members of a particular religious or ethnic group will only cause more harm.
Disaster Preparedness: Creating a Family Disaster Plan
It's important for all family members to know how to react in an emergency, because when a disaster strikes, the best protection is knowing what to do.
You should also discuss possible disaster plans with your children — in a very general way — so that they will know what to do in various situations. For example, if you live in a part of the country that is prone to earthquakes, it is important for your children to know what to do if a n earthquake occurs. Remember that it is possible that you and your children may be in different places when a disaster strikes; for example at school and work
You can create a Family Disaster Plan by taking these simple steps.
• Talk with your children about the dangers of disasters that are likely in your area and how to prepare for each type. Make sure they know where to go in your home to stay safe during an earthquake, tornado, fire or other disasters likely for your area.
• Teach your child how to recognize danger signals. Make sure your child knows what smoke detectors, fire alarms and local community warning systems (horns and sirens) sound like and what to do when they hear them.
• Explain to children how and when to call for help. Keep emergency phone numbers where family members can find them.
• Pick an out-of-state family contact person who family members can "check-in" with if you are separated during an emergency. Help children memorize the person's name and phone number, or have them keep a copy of the emergency list in their backpack.
• Agree on a meeting place away from your home (a neighbor or relative's house or even a street corner) where you would get together if you were separated in an emergency. Give each family member an emergency list with the name, address and phone number of the meeting place. For children who are old enough, help them to memorize the person's name, address and phone number.
• Put together a disaster supplies kit for your family.
• Practice your Family Disaster Plan every six months so that everyone will remember what to do when in an emergency.
Also be sure to include your pet in your Family Disaster Plan. Shelters can't take pets, so plan what to do in case you have to evacuate. Call your humane society to ask if there is an animal shelter in your area. Prepare a list of kennels and veterinarians who could shelter your pet in an emergency. Keep a list of "pet friendly" motels outside your area. |
