Helping Children Cope with Crisis
Montgomery County Public Schools
In the aftermath of the terrible tragedy our nation has experienced, the following information
may prove useful to help children cope and others with this difficult situation.
Common Emotional Reactions
Reactions may vary in nature and severity from child to child, based on age, temperament,
personality and previous experience. These are normal reactions to an abnormal situation.
Regardless of differences, there are some commonalities that exist in how children and staff feel
when their lives are disrupted by disaster.
Loss of control: Crises such as this are something over which we have no control and are not
able to stop. This feeling of loss of control can be overwhelming and frightening.
Loss of stability: Disasters interrupt the natural order of things. When stability is gone, life feels
very threatening and trust may be destroyed. Try to return to a normal school routine as quickly
as possible, for familiar routines are reassuring.
Self-centered reactions: It is normal for children of all ages to react to disaster with fear for
their own safety. They may be intensely worried about what will happen to them. Young
children in particular may be focused on safety concerns. It is important to provide repeated
reassurance regarding safety and the outcome of the disaster as it relates to the children.
Common Stress Symptoms
Elementary School
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irritability
anger, aggression, tantrums
clinginess
poor concentration
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withdrawal from friends and
activities
sleep difficulties, including
nightmares
bedwetting
Middle School
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physical complaints such as
headaches and stomachaches
poor school performance
withdrawal from friends
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sleep disturbances
loss of appetite
increased anger and conflict with
parents and peers
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sleep disturbances
eating difficulties
poor concentration
anger or aggression towards parents
or peers
High School
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agitation
lack of energy
lessened interest in peers
irresponsible or delinquent behavior
physical complaints
How Adults Can Help
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Share the facts in a calm and caring manner.
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Remind children that teasing and taunting people from diverse cultures is not tolerated.
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Provide a vehicle for expressing fears and anxiety, such as journal writing or drawing.
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Ensure that the information you give is appropriate to the developmental level of the
child and is stated in a vocabulary that can be understood.
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Clarify misconceptions and restate information as necessary.
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Allow opportunities to talk about the situation. Listen closely to fears and concerns.
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Control panic among children by remaining calm yourself.
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Be flexible and allow time in your routine to address concerns as they arise.
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Reassure children that their emotional responses are normal responses to an abnormal
situation; to some extent, every one is afraid. It’s all right to be afraid and to talk about it.
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Acknowledge that there is some uncertainty about what will happen next, but many
adults are working together to ensure everyone’s safety.
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Ask children what things they have done in the past to help them through difficult times.
List these activities and encourage the use of similar strategies.
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Talk about how children can support one another.
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Encourage children to make healthy choices in what they eat and drink and to allow more
time for sleep and relaxation.
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Tell children that it is okay to turn off the TV or to change the channel so that they don’t
become overloaded with disaster information.
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Don’t overlook the positive events. Point out that, while many people were hurt in this
tragedy, many were not injured and many of the injured will recover. Look for stories of
heroism and bravery in the face of the disaster and talk about how this crisis brought out
the best in people from all over the world who want to help.
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Assure children that they will be all right and that life will continue.
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Be alert for children whose reactions seem especially intense or unusual. Consult with the
school counselor if you have concerns or questions.
The Montgomery County Crisis Center also provides a free resource available 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. The service is available at 240-777-4000.
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Note: This material was developed by the MCPS Department of Student Services from local expertise
and resources provided by the National Association of School Psychologists; the American
Psychological Association; the Institute for Trauma and Loss in Children; and Coping with Crisis:
Lessons Learned by Scott Poland and Jami S. McCormick, © Sopris West, 1999.