10 Expert Tips for Helping Children Cope with Disasters
Helping children cope with disasters means supporting their emotional, psychological and physical well-being after traumatic events like hurricanes, wildfires or violence. Children often process fear differently than adults, so caregivers play a critical role in providing reassurance, structure and age-appropriate communication.
These expert-backed tips from Save the Children help families support children during and after emergencies.
Key Takeaways: Helping Children Cope with Disasters
- Children need reassurance and a sense of safety after disasters
- Limiting exposure to distressing media can reduce anxiety
- Listening helps children process fear and confusion
- Behavioral changes may signal stress
- Routines and support help restore stability
1. Limit TV time
Too much exposure to disaster coverage can overwhelm children and increase stress.
While it’s important for adults to stay informed about the disaster, TV images and reports may be a source of stress. Watching too many reports of the disaster can overwhelm children.
2. Listen to your children
Understanding what children know and feel helps you address their fears and reduce confusion.
See what they know – or understand – about the disaster before responding to their questions. Children can experience stress when they don’t understand dangerous experiences. Try to identify your children’s fear of disasters. Then, talk to them to help ease their concerns.
3. Give children reassurance
Children need to feel that adults are protecting them and prioritizing their safety.
Let them know that family and friends are doing everything they can to protect them. Be sure they know that if an emergency occurs, their safety is your main concern. Children should know they’re being protected.
4. Be alert for significant changes in behavior
Changes in sleep, eating, or emotions may signal stress and should be closely monitored.
Caregivers should be alert to any significant changes in children’s sleeping patterns, eating habits and concentration levels. Also watch for wide emotional swings or frequent physical complaints. If any of these actions do happen, they will likely lessen within a short time. If they continue, however, you should seek professional help and counseling for the child.
5. Understand children’s unique needs
Children respond to disasters differently based on their age and development, but all need support.
Not every child will experience a disaster in the same way. As children develop, their intellectual, physical and emotional abilities change. Younger children will depend largely on their parents to interpret events. Older children and adolescents will get information from various sources, such as friends and the media. Remember that children of any age can be affected by a disaster. Provide them all with love, understanding and support.
6. Give your children extra time and attention
Children need attention to know they are safe. Talk, play and, most importantly, listen to them. Find time to engage in special activities with children of all ages.
7. Be a model for your children
Your children will learn how to deal with these events by seeing how you respond. The amount you tell children about how you’re feeling should depend on the age and maturity of the child. You may be able to disclose more to older or more mature children but remember to do so calmly.
8. Watch your own behavior
Make a point of being sensitive to those impacted by the disaster. This is an opportunity to teach your children that we all need to help each other.
9. Help your children return to a normal routine
Children usually benefit from routine activities such as a balanced diet, bedtime and playing with others. Find out when your children’s school is will return to normal hours. Ask teachers or counselors how much time will be dedicated to discussing the disaster in an age-appropriate way.
10. Involve children in volunteer work
Helping others in your community can give children a sense of control and security and promote helping behavior. Include children in volunteer activities (once it is safe to do so). Helping people who are in need can bring about a positive outlook.
10 Tips for Helping Children Cope with Disasters (Printable Guide for Parents & Caregivers)
Keep these expert tips on hand to support your child during emergencies—anytime, anywhere.
More Frequently Asked Questions
How do disasters affect children emotionally?
Children may experience anxiety, fear, confusion or changes in sleep and behavior after a disaster. When events disrupt a child’s sense of safety—such as violence, extreme weather disasters or displacement—they can feel overwhelmed and uncertain about what will happen next.
In situations like escalating violence, children may see or hear distressing images and conversations in the news or in their communities. This can lead to fears about their own safety, their loved ones, or being forced to leave their homes or miss school. Some children may also relive past traumatic experiences, especially if they have experienced displacement or crisis before.
Research and field reports from Save the Children show that children affected by emergencies may experience nightmares, emotional distress, withdrawal or behavioral changes. Disruptions to daily routines—such as school closures or unstable living conditions—can further increase stress and anxiety.
How long does it take children to recover from a disaster?
Many children begin to recover over time with consistent support, reassurance and a return to normal routines. However, recovery is not the same for every child and depends on factors such as age, personality and the severity of the experience.
For some children, distress may lessen within weeks. For others—especially those directly impacted by conflict, displacement, or repeated crises—emotional effects may last longer. Ongoing disruptions, such as being unable to return to school or living in temporary conditions, can delay recovery.
Providing stability, open communication, and supportive relationships can help children build resilience. If children continue to show signs of distress over time, additional support may be needed.
What can I do to help my child feel safe during a disaster?
Children feel safer when they have consistent support, clear information and a sense of routine. Caregivers can help by listening, offering reassurance, and maintaining familiar daily activities as much as possible.
Limiting exposure to distressing media, encouraging open conversations, and spending time together can reduce anxiety. In some situations, creating a simple family safety plan—such as what to do if separated—can help children feel more prepared and secure.
Remind children that they are not alone and that there are trusted adults and helpers working to protect and support families during difficult times.
These tips were developed by Save the Children’s emergency response and child protection experts, based on decades of experience supporting children in crises worldwide.
Clinically Reviewed by: Save the Children's Child Protection team | Written by: Save the Children Editorial Team| Last Reviewed: March 2026