NANA SAYS HELPING CHILDREN RESPOND TO WORLD EVENTS WITHOUT TRAUMATIZING THEM

Compassion. Care. Being aware of world events is important for children. But the fine line of informing without traumatizing them is important too.
The images on TV. The talk. With fires and hurricanes and floods in North America, it is difficult to keep all the information and images toned down.
So answer questions as children ask them. Do something to help. See kids- we are making a donation to Red Cross. This is how it helps.
I love the food bank drives at schools on special occasions. A simple way for children to be involved without traumatizing.They start to have a community conscience at a basic level. It is an activity that helps others locally. Doing activities to raise money for local hospitals and charities.
If you have lived through a natural disaster, get the support and help you need. Children need to process and that process could take years.
For adults, we can experience natural disaster burnout too. It is tough seeing those images and not asking- gee could it happen to me.
So letting children feel they are helping other children. For example, buying new socks for a drive where clothes and toiletries are needed. They are part of the solution. Teaching every little bit helps because it becomes a big bit.
One person can not save the world. But one person's part as part of the larger collective does help. One action at a time. Children can get that!

5 WAYS TO HELP WITH NATURAL DISASTERS

A summer of unprecedented fires in British Columbia and Alberta. Homes lost and people displaced. Now with the over the top Hurricane season, it can be overwhelming. How can individuals help in any way.

1. Give to the Red Cross- International and National. Any donation helps. One does not have to give mega bucks.

2. Give to Global Medic. They have drones that can drop items into areas that are inaccessible. They have amazing water filter kits. Water is so needed.

3. Ask a colleague or friend if they know someone personally so that personal donations can be made to the person. We all have little personal, unused items that could help. If you would not wear it because it is stained or ratty then do not give it to someone else. Toiletries are often needed. How many makeup free samples do we have that could be forwarded?

4. Can you open up your home for a much needed vacation week for someone suffering. Especially the children. Treat them to a day at a zoo or museum or amusement park. Invite that relative or friend for a break. Listen on skype, text, phone calls and be prepared to help with the potential of post traumatic stress disorders.

5. No one is invincible so make sure your home has emergency items in case of a hydro outage or storm or whatever could come your way. Read what your insurance covers for your home, car and personal liability. The government is not responsible for you under every circumstance so be personally responsible.

Here's to everyone out there dealing with the aftermath of all these disasters. Reach out to each other. There for the grace of God go I!
#RedCross#GlobalMedic#donations#BritishColumbia#Alberta#hurricanes#posttraumaticstressdisorders#support