Helping Children Heal After an Emergency

When a child witnesses an emergency or experiences a medical crisis, they may have questions or feel anxious. These trusted resources provide parents and caregivers with tools to help children process their feelings and recover in a healthy way.

National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN)

Learn how to create a sense of safety for your child and how to follow their lead during the healing process. These guides help you understand a child's unique perspective on trauma.

Child Mind Institute: Recovery Tips

This resource offers specific advice for different age groups, from toddlers to teenagers. It helps parents identify the common signs of trauma and stress at every stage of development.

CDC: Coping with Emergencies

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides a clear list of what you can do to help children cope, including common reactions to watch for after an emergency event.

UnityPoint Health: Reducing Anxiety

Find practical tips on how to discuss difficult topics with children of different ages and how to spot signs that your child might not be coping well.

Need Immediate Support?

If your child or family needs to talk to a counselor right now, help is available 24/7. Call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.