［For upper grade children］Advice for families in a stricken area who have worry about their Children -- Check if your children are ok.
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*Try these 9 things if you see children who have any of the symptons below. |
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1. Find chores children can do so that they can feel they are contributing as a family member or helping the community at the shelter. |
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2. Some children may play in violent way, for instance, throwing things away or destroying things. In such a case, do not try to stop them unless it hurts them or others, and talk them into playing a different game. |
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3. Avoid forcing children to express their distress. (Children may adjust themselves by not only talking with someone or sharing their experiences but also by writing a diary or drawing pictures.) |
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4. Once school starts, talking to friends or teachers at school also could reduce children’s stress. |
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5. On the other hand, some children could feel more stress if they are forced going to go to school even though they don’t wish. If you see something wrong with your children, talk to their school teachers. |
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6. It’s also important to explain children about the current situation is and what adults family members are trying to do, in a simple way. It will help children feel that they are an important member of the family. |
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7. Some are smart to an extent- children can understand that the situation they are placed in is complicated. , and They may avoid expressing their feelings, or replace themselves to avoid bothering other family members, which may lead to further stress. |
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8. In case of #7, talk to the children to let them know that you would like to listen to them when they feel bitter or feel like doing something, even though the situation is tough. |
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9. By playing games or sports as a group can release children’s tension. |
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*Check for the following symptons. |
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Decline of appetite |
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Restlessness |
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Decline of emotion/ apathy/ decline of facial expression or concentration |
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Nail biting, a tic |
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Frequent urination, wetting themselves, constipation |
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Sleeping disorder, feeling tired |
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Emotional incontinence(crying or losing temper often) |
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Unusual behavior : being unreasonable, suddenly starts behaving violently, etc. |
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Regression ( thumb sucking, baby talk ) |
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fighting, destroying things |
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panicking: coming from a flash back |
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Asthma attack |
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Hives |
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Alopecia areata |
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Having Difficulty of talking |
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Trying too hard to behave like a good boy/girl |
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Working too hard |
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Being too quiet |
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Check if your children are ok. — Advices for child care in a disaster [For upper grade children] http://www.coe-cnas.jp/group_child/manual/manual04/01.html (Source) |
created on 3 Apr 11
