Tsunami Disaster - Psychosocial Care for Children [PDF] - Nimhans

Remember that these behaviors are a response to the abnormal situation that the childrenhave experienced. It is their method of coping with that event. It is not a reflection of the characterof the child or the fault of the caregiver. Also these are not permanent changes; they can be overcome.If the child is given enough care, time and guidance, he/she can overcome these behaviorsand resume a normal manner of functioning.Keeping this in mind and as a background, this section attempts to take us through a frameworkto provide care and guidance. There are basically three things that one can do:„ Understand the emotional reactions the child is exhibiting. This will enable one tosupport him/her better.When children face any traumatic event, they have both emotional and physical reactions.These reactions and feelings are normal responses and occur in most children who face anevent that overwhelms them. Knowing this will help one understand the child better andbe more caring and comforting towards the child.„ Offer emotional support and security to the child.It is well established that talking about the event and allowing the child to share his/herexperiences and feelings decreases emotional stress. One needs to be available for thechild and create a space where the child can talk openly.„ Help the child to adopt healthy coping strategies.The child will often be confused about what can help them. One needs to facilitate therecovery process .For this, the first task is to normalize their life routines. Help them getinvolved in routine tasks like helping with household work, getting back to school andattending classes regularly, and so on. Also one needs to be available for play or ‘talktime’ where the child may want to talk or play out his/her experiences. Both these will helpthe child regain his/her original level of functioning.The school at times may be a very important source of comfort for the child’s emotionalrecovery. School going children regard the school and their teachers as very important and oftenturn to the schoolteachers for comfort, care and guidance to deal with this difficult phase of theirlife. Schools can help children to get back a sense of well being with teachers playing a verycrucial role in offering support and being a role model for them. During this time, schools may beone source, which can provide the children with a predictable routine and this in turn will developa sense of comfort and security in them.TOT INFORMATION MANUAL - 1 17