It’s been called the “perfect storm.” Odd name for a destructive confluence of energy that changed people’s lives, some forever. But super-storm Sandy did happen and like so many other natural disasters, it’s up to adults to help children cope.
There are many guides to help children cope with a natural disaster like Sandy, but one of the most comprehensive was done by Bright Horizons after Hurricanes Katrina and Rita hit the Gulf coast. It includes books to share with children organized by topics such as ‘homelessness’ and ‘grief and loss.’ There are additional resources for adults and suggestions on specific ways to address difficult topics.
There are no easy answers for those suffering from the aftermath of a natural disaster. There is no one way to tackle these issues. But books can open minds and conversations that benefit children and adults.
Other potentially useful resources:
- Books to Help Children and Teens Deal with Natural Disaster : Booklists for preschool through high school; a bit dated but still a starting point.
- Helping children after a disaster : Recommendations for early childhood educators.
- Family Readiness Kit : The AAP, a professional association of pediatricians, weighs in on how families can deal with disasters.