Don't Let Your Children Become Victims of Virus Trauma

This article was originally written in the wake of a series of major hurricanes that slashed the Southeast a few years ago. Today, we face a new disaster in a natural form: Covid-19. Thankfully, the little ones do not seem to be at risk for the illness, though they may indeed be carriers. However, they are at risk for trauma and mental illness as adults around them hunker down into quarantine mode. Let's take time to consider our responses as they affect little ears set on "high alert" as they read the body language of those whom they trust to care for them.

As we doggedly work to pick up and clean up from Hurricane Matthew here in the Southeast, there is still vivid evidence from last Fall's flooding. Earlier this school year, our friends in Louisiana were struggling to bury family and reclaim territory in the wake of deadly flooding. Last fall, in South Carolina, where I am based, we struggled to recover and reclaim from devastating floods. Enormous devastation and loss, from homes and lives to crops and businesses. Adults were reeling and dealing and many little ones suffering loss and fear that are difficult to measure. I remember my own little girls after Hurricane Hugo. My four year old would not go anywhere without her yellow flashlight and stuffed pink rabbit for weeks..."just in case the wind came back." Now, we are dealing again with a natural disaster in the form of the Covid 19 virus. Everyone is on "high alert" and children may already demonstrate symptoms such as fearfulness, sleep disruption, excessive attachment, and behavior changes. For teachers and parents dealing with natural disasters, here are a few tips:

1. Keep as much order and routine as possible.

2. Be mindful of physiological impacts on children....such as lack of sleep or regular meals.

3. Use a gentle tone of voice and avoid loud noises and sudden changes.

4. Apply strategies such as art therapy, journal writing, stories, sharing, and Bibliotherapy.

5. Plan simple events that get children outdoors. This allows for social distancing, and the benefits of fresh air as a natural disinfectant are well documented.

6. Stay off your phone and computer when in the presence of children. Give them your attention. Check in on the news later.

7. Avoid talking about things like pandemic, shortages, illness, symptoms, and quarantine in the presence of littles. It is too much. They don't have the context nor sense of future to put any of it in perspective.

Recovery from a disaster like the floods, hurricanes, the Spring tornadoes, and even a pandemic will take time, much more time than one may realize and it will take a toll on everyone, especially our children. Remain open and compassionate. Loss doesn't always show in soaked carpets and flooded car engines. It is inside and insidious. Be prepared to respond in loving and generous ways.