05 March 2025 – Preparing children and supporting them through a weather emergency is an important step that will build their resilience and assist their recovery, according to UNICEF Australia.
Nicole Breeze, Chief Advocate for Children, UNICEF Australia shares three tips for parents to help them talk with their children about the cyclone and flooding
- Be honest and explain the truth about what is happening.
Children have a right to truthful information, but adults are also responsible for keeping them safe from distress. Be honest about what is happening but use age-appropriate language, be mindful of their reactions and be sensitive to their level of anxiety. If you don’t know the answer to their questions, use it as an opportunity to explore the answers together.
2. Focus on the child, not the distress.
Start by asking your kids’ permission to talk about what is troubling them. Follow their lead, and if they don’t want to discuss it, don’t push it. Some children may be eager to talk about their concerns, while others might find it difficult. Don’t dismiss or avoid their concerns. Be sure to acknowledge their feelings and assure them it’s natural to feel sad or scared. Just remind your children that they can speak to you whenever they like.
3. Show them all the good people trying to help.
Children need to know about the acts of bravery, generosity and kindness of ordinary people trying to help families impacted by the cyclone or flood. Sharing stories of volunteer first responders, community leaders and everyday Australians showing compassion can be comforting and reassuring.
Ms Breeze said: “UNICEF’s work in Australia after flooding and bushfires has shown the impacts that these emergencies can have on children in the long term. It’s important amongst the many things adults are responsible for during an emergency, that we remember this is a lot for children to process and the uncertainty and disruption of normal routine alone can be very difficult for them.
“These are practical tips to help parents through the initial stages of an emergency. UNICEF Australia also continues to advocate for a National Disaster Framework for children and young people, to ensure that no matter where they live children have the supports they need before, during and after disasters occur,” she said.
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