9 ways to support kids during a natural disaster
Clinically reviewed by Dr. Chris Mosunic, PhD, RD, MBA
Natural disasters are devastating, but when kids are involved it’s even more complicated. Explore how to discuss a natural disaster with kids, plus 9 ways to support them.
Natural disasters are scary for everyone, but for kids, they can be especially overwhelming.
Adults often spring into action right away, but children—especially if they’re young—may struggle to understand the magnitude of what’s happening or why. They may start to ask unanswerable questions, like, “Are we safe?” “What happens now?” and “Will it happen again?” which can be painful for their caregivers, who desperately want them to feel safe. Others won't grasp the seriousness of what’s going on, and may wonder aloud why life can’t just go back to normal.
In sensitive situations like these, it can be tough to know what to say — and more importantly, how to support them as they process what’s going on.
Knowing how to guide children through these moments is essential. It’s about more than just explaining the facts — you’re helping them understand their feelings and feel secure again. With a strategic approach, open communication, and tools like mindfulness, you can help kids feel supported as they heal and move forward.
How to talk to kids about natural disasters
It can feel intimidating to talk to children about natural disasters. Try to imagine all of the mixed emotions you’re having, but through the lens of the limited experience of a child. It’s a lot for them to try to process.
Here are some tips to guide your conversation:
Start by keeping your tone gentle and reassuring. Honestly explain what happened in simple terms, using age-appropriate language. Don’t make promises you can’t keep, even if you want to.
Let them know that it’s okay to feel scared or upset and that their feelings are normal. You may want to share how you’re feeling and empathize with their feelings of shock.
Reassure them that no matter what, you’re going to keep them safe.
Answer their questions honestly but avoid sharing unnecessary details that could increase their fear. Focus on safety measures, like what your family’s plan is for emergencies.
Reassure them that there are many people, like emergency responders and volunteers, working hard to help.
If you have younger children, consider drawing a picture or using toys to demonstrate what’s going on to help them better understand.
Be kind to yourself. You don’t need to word everything perfectly, and you can always rephrase things later on.
9 ways to support kids during a natural disaster
Children are incredibly resilient, but they will need your love, patience, and support to navigate the emotional rollercoaster of a natural disaster. Doing your best to create a safe and nurturing environment, helps them cope in the moment but also gives them tools to build strength and hope for the future.
Here are nine ways to help children feel supported, and cared for during and after a natural disaster.
1. Reassure them with simple, clear communication
Children need to feel safe, and part of that safety comes from understanding what’s happening around them. Use age-appropriate language to explain the situation, being honest while avoiding unnecessary details that could overwhelm them.
For younger children, you might say, “There’s a big storm, but we’re in a safe place, and I’m here to take care of you.”
For older kids, you can provide more context, like, “This is a hurricane. It’s strong, but we’re following a plan to stay safe.”
Answer their questions as calmly as you can, even if they ask the same ones repeatedly. Reassurance comes not only from your words but also from your tone and presence.
2. Create space for their emotions
Children process fear and stress differently, and they may not have the words to express what they’re feeling. Some kids might cry, cling to you, or act out, while others might seem unusually quiet or withdrawn.
Let them know that it’s okay to feel scared, angry, sad, or confused — and that you’re there to support them no matter what. Validate their feelings and try not to be dismissive of their problems, as small as some of them might seem right now.
Encourage them to share their thoughts and feelings in ways that feel comfortable. For younger kids, this might mean drawing pictures or playing with toys. Older kids might find it easier to talk about their emotions during quiet moments, like bedtime.
💙 If talking about feelings is difficult, try playing with The Feelings Wheel to help them figure out how they’re feeling.
3. Stick to routines whenever possible
Our daily routines provide a sense of stability, which is especially important during unsettled times. Even if you’ve had to evacuate or adapt to new living arrangements, try to maintain familiar habits like mealtime schedules, bedtime stories, or homework routines.
Keep bedtime as consistent as you can (check out these 10 do’s and don’ts for your kids evening routine). A story, a favorite stuffed animal, or a lullaby can help them feel grounded. If meals can’t be designated as family time, involve kids in preparing snacks or organizing food, turning it into a small, comforting activity.
Small routines may remind children that some things remain the same, even when the world around them feels chaotic.
4. Be mindful of how much news they’re exposed to
Children are incredibly perceptive and may pick up on distressing news or adult conversations. Limiting their exposure to news coverage and keeping discussions about the disaster age-appropriate can help prevent unnecessary fear.
If they do overhear something alarming, take the time to explain it in a way they can understand. If they happen to hear about damage in nearby areas, you might say, “Yes, some places were affected, but we’re staying safe and following our plan.”
5. Involve them in small acts of control
Natural disasters make all of us feel pretty powerless—including our kids—so involving them in small tasks can help restore a sense of agency. Depending on their age, you can ask them to help pack an emergency bag, sort supplies, or choose a comfort item to bring along.
Even something as simple as letting them decide what game to play or which snack to eat can give them a feeling of control during uncertain times.
6. Provide opportunities for play and creativity
Play is one of the most natural ways for children to process their emotions and feel a sense of normalcy. Encourage them to do activities that make them happy, whether that’s drawing, singing, building with blocks, or playing pretend.
If you’re in a shared space, like an evacuation center, consider creating a small “play corner” with toys, crayons, or puzzles to help kids feel more at ease. Play can also be a great way for the whole family to bond and find pockets of joy inside the stress.
7. Model calmness and self-care
Children often look to adults to gauge how to respond to a situation. While it’s okay to show your emotions, modeling calmness and resilience can help reassure them. Let them see you practicing self-care — whether it’s taking deep breaths, writing in a journal, or talking to someone about your feelings.
You can even involve them in self-care activities, like stretching, breathing exercises, or taking a short walk — explore these 12 self-care ideas for kids. These shared moments can be soothing for both of you.
8. Keep an eye out for long-term changes
Some children may bounce back quickly after a disaster, while others have ongoing stress or anxiety.
Watch for behaviors like trouble sleeping, nightmares, difficulty concentrating, or changes in appetite. If these persist for weeks or months, you may want to consider getting support from a child therapist or counselor.
💙 To avoid prolonged stress, it can be helpful to encourage children to practice meditation or mindfulness. Explore Mindfulness for Kids ages 3-4, Ages 5-6, Ages 7-10, or Ages 11-13.
9. Encourage hope and resilience
No matter how difficult the times, you can help your kids focus on any good things around them.
Celebrate little victories or positive moments, like staying safe or being with friends or loved ones. Share stories of kindness, like neighbors helping each other or people coming together to rebuild.And encourage them to think about the future, whether it’s planning a fun activity or imagining what they’d like to do once things settle down.
These small moments of optimism can remind kids that brighter days are ahead.
When to seek professional help for your child
Some children may need additional support to fully recover from trauma related to natural disasters. Watch for these signs that indicate it may be time to seek professional help:
Persistent nightmares or difficulty sleeping over several weeks
Avoidance of daily activities or significant changes in behavior, like becoming withdrawn or overly clingy
Trouble concentrating or completing tasks at school
Frequent outbursts of anger, irritability, or sadness
Physical symptoms like headaches or stomachaches that have no medical explanation
Expressions of hopelessness, excessive fear, or a sense that they are to blame for the events that happened
If you notice these signs, reaching out to a mental health professional who specializes in working with children can provide valuable support. Therapies such as play therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), or family counseling can help your child process their emotions and learn to cope.
How to support kids during a natural disaster FAQs
How can I explain a natural disaster to my kids?
When explaining a natural disaster to kids, keep the explanation simple and age-appropriate. Describe what happened in a calm tone, using language they can understand. You’ll want to focus on safety, letting them know that you’re there to protect them and that many people are working to keep everyone safe.
It’s important to be honest, but avoid sharing overly detailed or frightening information. Encourage them to ask questions and try to answer them truthfully, but don’t share unnecessary details that could add to their fear. You may also want to reassure them that it’s okay to feel scared or upset and that those feelings are normal — you have them too.
Offering a lot of hugs and trying your best to keep a grounded and soothing presence around them can help them feel more secure.
How can I help children cope with natural disasters?
Helping children cope starts with listening to their emotions and validating their feelings. Give them space to express themselves, whether through talking, drawing, or playing. It’s important to keep their routines as consistent as possible, as this provides a sense of normalcy and stability. If possible, spend extra time together as a family, sharing as much comfort and reassurance as you can.
To keep them from panicking, limit their exposure to news and social media as much as you can — too much information can increase fear. Never hesitate to seek help from a counselor or therapist who specializes in working with kids.
And above all, let them know they’re not alone and that it’s okay to lean on you for support.
How can I support my students after a natural disaster?
If you are a teacher or educator, you may be eager to support your students when they’ve been affected by a natural disaster. Creating a safe and predictable environment where they feel cared for may be your first priority. Start by acknowledging the event and giving them a chance to share their thoughts or emotions in a structured (but optional) way.
Be patient and understanding if they seem distracted or emotional, every kid reacts to a natural disaster differently as some of them may be grieving lost homes, while others may have their communities still but may be grappling with survivors' guilt.
Maintain classroom routines as much as possible, as structure may help kids feel more secure. Incorporate activities that allow for expression, like writing, art, or group discussions. And if any students seem especially distressed, connect them with school counselors or support services. Let them know it’s okay to feel however they’re feeling and that help is available.
What are some mindfulness practices I can do with my kids after a disaster?
Mindfulness practices can help kids feel grounded and more in control after a disaster. Simple practices like deep breathing or physical movement can help dispel stress and increase a sense of calm.
Breathing: Start with simple deep breathing exercises, like having them breathe in slowly for four counts and out for four counts.
Visualization: Kids may need some guidance for how to not ruminate on the disaster. You might consider using guided visualizations to encourage them to imagine a safe, happy place. (Here are eight exercises you can try.)
Stretching: Try simple yoga poses, like stretching their arms up like a tree to help them feel strong. Just like adults, kids may experience anxiety and grief in their bodies. By stretching they can help dispel some of that stress.
Gratitude journaling: It may help to shift focus to positive things by journaling and practicing gratitude, however if kids are experiencing grief and loss, they may need some time before they can focus on what they’re grateful for.
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