Many people in our community are finding ways to help the children cope after Hurricane Florence. New Hanover County Schools hope to reopen this Thursday, though that is not certain yet. Some childcare centers have sustained damage, and the community definitely is not back to "normal." Children's routines have definitely been disrupted.
We know that routine is one of many things that bring comfort to children when they have experienced trauma, and the lack of being in school with their friends takes a toll. I wanted to highlight two (of dozens) of things that have been done in the community to help children cope over the past week. If you know of others, please let me know and I'll be happy to post here.
Front Street Brewery offered 250 free admissions to the Children's Museum of Wilmington to children this past weekend so that children could play. As the donor said, “It’s important to help kids get back to the wonder and joy of simply being kids and not worrying about a natural disaster.”
https://portcitydaily.com/loca...-0eb0d3128b-28643969
Play is also children's work and can be a way that they sort through and understand some of what has happened to them. See the second example below:
At the Relief Center set up at Independence Mall, Smart Start of New Hanover County set up a play area for children to enjoy while their parents wait in long lines for various types of aid, ranging from emergency food stamps to FEMA to other services. Stephanie Harris, Community Outreach Specialist shared this post to her Facebook page about an encounter she had with a 3 year-old boy there.
https://www.facebook.com/15291...s/10216806024372805/
Thanks to all the providers who are remembering to help the children.
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