1. After The Storm
By Anita Oliphant

2. Hurricane Harvey
All of us have suffered from the effects of Hurricane Harvey whether we had physical damage or not. Many of us have reached out to others to support them while in need as well which displays a great amount of empathy for one another.

3. Forward Progress
We have a lot of progress to make but we have to keep in mind that we will be able to reach a level of comfort again in our community as we are all on this journey together.

4. Common Reactions
Feelings of anxiety, fear, and worry about safety of self and others
Fears about another storm
Increased anxiety over future storm warnings
Changes in behavior
Increased activity level
Decreased concentration and attention
Increased irritability
Withdrawal
Angry outbursts
Aggression
Increased physical complaints (headaches, stomachaches, aches & pains)
Changes in school performance
Prolonged focus on the storm (talking repeatedly about it)
Look for signs and take time to talk to your children about what they felt and experienced during the storm and flood.

5. S.A.F.E.T.Y. Safety – Focus on safety first
Allow expression of feelings
Follow your child’s lead
Enable your children to tell the story of what happened during and after the storm
Ties – Reconnect with supportive people, community, culture and rituals
Your Children Need You during this trying time! This is the most important thing to remember.
Be sure to remind them that their safety comes first and that we are all here to support and keep them safe. Some need more reassurance than others and that’s ok.

6. Helping Children Cope Give accurate and age appropriate information.
Be available.
Identify safe ways to express emotions.
Maintain consistent routines.
Be aware of behavioral, physical, or emotional changes.
Be sure to care for yourself.
Be sure to share age appropriate information with them and do your best to be available when they are in need of reassurance.

7. ` Accept all reactions Help children move toward positive actions
Reflect what children say and validate their feelings and experiences
Discuss some of the thoughts and feelings children may be experiencing in reaction to the event.
Encourage children to show compassion to each other. Some children may be insensitive, aggressive, or laugh inappropriately as a way of coping with difficult emotions.
Reassure children that they are safe with you.
Help children move toward positive actions
Help children focus on positive things.
Encourage and model positive methods of coping with stress and fears. Ask children what they did in the past to help themselves feel better when they were scared or upset. `
. For example, if a child expresses anger about the event, confirm that it’s normal to feel angry about it and that it’s okay to talk about how she feels.
For example, help children think about the adults in the community who are working to make things better. Encourage children to draw pictures of people, places, or things that make them feel safe.
Ask children what they did in the past to help themselves feel better when they were scared or upset.
Examples of normal reactions to disasters include irrational fears (e.g., safety of building, fear of lights in the sky), irritability, disobedience, depression, excessive clinging, headaches, nausea, visual or hearing problems, and eating problems.

8. Encourage Creativity
Encourage children to express their emotions through art, drama, music, photography, or writing.
Most children will soon feel better and recover with good support from their families and teachers.
Use art activities particularly drawing to help defuse anxieties, sadness, worries, and fears.
Art is another language for children and a developmentally appropriate intervention in work with those who are traumatized.
This can be helpful for children who are hesitant to, uncomfortable with, or unable to talk about their emotions.
will help you to move your child from a passive position as a trauma victim to one of a trauma survivor.

10. Watch for (or even expect) common symptoms of severe stress .
Reassure your children that you love them, that all of you will be okay. 
Watch for (or even expect) common symptoms of severe stress .
Talk to your child about what happened and/or what is happening.
Ask your child to describe what they have experienced or understand and correct any misinformation they have.
Your child may need to ask the same question or tell you the same story over and over again — let them.
Avoid television coverage of the disaster as much as possible, even for yourself.
Remember that your child is watching you to see how you react and respond to the situation.
in your children, including difficulty sleeping, sleeping more than usual, nightmares, changes in appetite, irritability, acting out, withdrawing from others, obsessiveness, new hyperactivity and persistent crying. Recognize that your child cannot control those responses and monitor their symptoms so you can tell if they are worsening or improving.
Listen to them carefully, and address their fears directly and honestly. Let them know they can ask you any question, and keep communication going.

11. Often children will cling to parents and may not want to be away from them. Parents should give them comfort and reassure them that they are safe.
Some children need to talk about a traumatic experience all the time and others don’t want to talk at all. This is normal. Let them know that you are willing to listen.
Anxiety about disaster experiences and problems sometimes keeps children awake at night, or nightmares might wake them. Temporary changes in sleeping arrangements following a disaster may be helpful, such as parents letting children put sleeping bags on the floor in their room or sleeping closer to them at first. After a brief period of temporary changes, it is helpful to move back to pre-disaster bedtime routines.
Giving children choices helps them feel some control when their environment has felt out of control. Choosing food, clothes, what games to play—any appropriate choices—can be helpful.

12. Ways to Take Care of Yourself
Talk to family or friends about how you are feeling and doing.
Ask someone who loves you to read you a story.
Write your thoughts and feelings in a journal.
Let yourself cry.
Write poetry.
Ask for a hug. Give a hug. Ask for another hug.
Write letters of regret and appreciation about anything in life.
Get a lot of sleep.
Draw pictures. Get into art.
Spend time in prayer or meditation.
Play a game or sport. Get a lot of exercise.
Collect a favor from someone who owes you one.
Listen to soothing music.
Treat yourself to a massage.
Listen to upbeat, rowdy music and dance!
Light a candle.
Snack on healthy foods. Take vitamins.
Sing loud.
Enjoy a bubble bath.
Laugh. Rent a great, hilarious video. See a fun flick.
Care for your pets and house plants.
Take a favorite stuffed animal to bed with you.
Add to this list!
Read a favorite story.

13. Counseling Resources Laura Jordan, MA, LPC, LMFT
Jordan Therapy Services, LLC
South Shore Center for Couples & Families
JordanTherapyServices.com
SouthShoreFamilies.com
Free Counseling Services
STCH Ministries
University Baptist Church
16106 Middlebrook, Dr.
Houston, Texas 77059
Appointments:

14. Interfaith Caring Ministries

15. American Red Cross

16. United Way

17. Communities in Schools

18. Innovative Alternatives