Supporting children and young people through emergencies

Laura Stembridge

3 hours ago

3 min read

Crises and catastrophes are difficult for anyone, but for children and teenagers, they can be especially confusing and frightening. They may not have the words to express what they feel. And they often look to adults for cues on how to respond.

Parents, carers and people supporting families can look for changes, give age-appropriate information and keep familiar routines where possible.

How children may react

Children’s responses vary by age:

Young children (0–6 years): clinginess, bedwetting, tantrums, sleep disruptions.
School-age children (7–12 years): irritability, difficulty concentrating, nightmares, fear of separation.
Teenagers (13+ years): withdrawal, anger, risk-taking, changes in eating/sleeping, excessive use of phones or social media.

All of these are normal stress reactions, but they signal that children need support, stability, and reassurance.

What children need

Safety and Security: Reassure them that adults are doing everything possible to keep them safe. Maintain routines (mealtimes, bedtime) where you can.
Honest, simple explanations: give age-appropriate facts, avoid overwhelming detail and encourage questions. For example: “There was a big storm, and that is why the power is out. We are safe inside, and people are fixing it.”
Opportunities to Express Feelings: Younger children may draw or play out their fears. Older children might talk, journal, or use music. Provide outlets without forcing conversation.
Calm role-modelling: children look to adults for cues. It is OK to acknowledge your feelings while showing how you manage them.
Connection: Encourage children to stay connected to friends, teachers, or extended family. Social support is as protective for children as it is for adults.

When to seek more support

Seek professional help if a child:

Talks about wanting to hurt themselves.
Shows prolonged withdrawal, aggression, or severe anxiety.
Loses interest in school, play, or friendships for weeks.
Struggles to sleep or eat consistently.

In the UK, call 999 if you believe a child is at risk. For urgent emotional support, you can also call Childline (0800 1111).

Looking after yourself helps them

Children can notice changes in an adult’s tone, body language or routine. Looking after your own mental health supports your ability to stay present for them.

Children learn by example. If you practise calming strategies, set boundaries or seek support, you show them that looking after mental health is normal.

Here are some practical ways to look after yourself while supporting children in crisis:

Model calm regulation: try a grounding or breathing exercise and invite them to join you: “We can take three slow breaths together.”
Keep a routine for yourself: Prioritise your own sleep, meals, and downtime. Predictability stabilises both you and your child.
Talk to trusted adults: Share your worries with friends, family, or colleagues rather than unloading them onto children. Kids feel reassured when they see that adults have their own support networks.
Take short breaks: explain, “I need a quick pause, then I will be back.”
Seek professional support if needed: speaking to a counsellor, GP or helpline can help you remain present for your child.

Children do not need you to be perfect. They need you to be present, consistent and willing to care for yourself as well as for them.

Reassurance, routine and relationships

In a crisis, reassurance, routine and relationships all matter. You do not need to have every answer. Be honest about what you know, listen to their questions and get more help when either of you needs it.

By Laura Stembridge, Founder InsideOut®