FAMILY CRISIS NOTES

Accidents/Illness of Family Members Honest explanation of what is happening geared

to their ability to understand If the person is sick and will recover the child

should be reassured the person should soon be well again

If the illness is serious adults should tell children the truth in a calm, reassuring way.

Reassure that nothing they did caused the accidents/illness

Children sometimes overhear the wrong things about accidents/illness

Divorce 10% of all children currently live with a divorced

parent Keep things as normal as possible Parents should not discuss problems of divorce with

children Give children honest answers Explain the custody plan to children who are old

enough Develop new traditions Never give the child false hope of parents reuniting Help the children stay in touch with friends Watch for changes in the child’s behavior Work with the school to help your child adjust

Death Basic part of life Allow children to talk and grieve Explain at the child’s level what has

happened Explain well enough that they do not expect

person to return Children need to know that they did not

cause the death Maintain the child’s routine

Domestic violence

Be a support person for the child

Seek help from family and local domestic violence agencies

Seek counseling

Work with the school for the child’s safety

Job Loss/Financial Difficulties Make a special effort not to argue about

money in front of children It is important not to hide financial

problems from older children Parents need to be clear about possible

consequences of the problems and the need to cut back on spending

Relocation/Family Move

Point out the positive reasons for moving Be honest about the move, mention bad as well

as the good Explain each step that will happen as they move If possible, take children to see where they are

moving Let children help with packing Plan to spend more time with children before and

after the move

Substance Abuse-Drugs and Alcohol

Parents can draw from support groups with people in the same situation

Talk to school counselor, trusted teacher, or religious leader

World Events- Natural Disasters, Terrorism

Seek safe shelter Keep children safe Talk to them and let them know what is happening Seek counseling Reassure children