Thanks to ACEs Action Alliance, Clark County for posting this on Facebook.
By Karleen Gribble and Nina J Berry, The Conversation. Medicalxpress.com January 13, 2020
Thousands of families with babies and toddlers have been affected by Australia's bushfire disaster. This includes children whose homes have been under direct threat or impacted by severe smoke pollution, or where their parents volunteer or work as fire fighters.
Routine and predictability makes young children feel safe. Evacuating, travelling long distances, noisy evacuation centres and staying in crowded or temporary accommodation disrupts this predictability.
How to help your child cope
If your baby or toddler is showing signs of distress, provide them with responsive care. This involves watching and noticing their behavioural cues, including body movements and sounds, and responding to this communication in a nurturing way.
The behavioural changes you see in your child provide you with information about what they need.
A baby or toddler who doesn't want to go to anyone but their mother is communicating that, right now, mum represents safety and only mum will do.
A child who is waking at night is saying, "I'm scared. I need you near to reassure me when I wake."
A child who is demanding or withdrawn is indicating they need more attention, not less.
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