Supporting children after the Christchurch earthquake

At times like this when you are feeling stressed, scared or tired it can be hard to know what to say to your children or to know what to do.

It is normal for children who have been through a traumatic event like a major earthquake to feel insecure and emotional.

Try to understand and be tolerant of any changes in their behaviour.  Children might have problems with sleeping and nightmares and be too scared to sleep alone.  They might also be more clingy and cry, or be more frustrated and impatient than usual.

Let your children know you will all look after each other and spend time together with lots of hugs and cuddles. If your children want to use a dummy or carry a cuddly blanket - let them, it will help them feel reassured and more secure. Let them know everyone feels scared and that is ok.

Children want to try and make sense of what is happening and when they don't know they use their imagination to fill the gaps this can make things more frightening for them. Try and explain what has happened and what aftershocks are. You might also need to explain why we need to be careful with hygiene.

Talking and listening is important. Try to calmly explain what has happened - over and over if needed - and listen to how everyone is feeling. 

You are the most important part of your child's life and how they respond to the earthquake will depend on how you react to it. Try to act calm even when you are not feeling that way - it will reassure your children.

Keeping to familiar routines will help your children feel more secure. So if the schools are open let your children go back so they can have as normal a routine as possible.

Helpline numbers

It's hard to know how long it will take for things to get back to normal ­- it may take weeks or months. If you need help or someone to talk to, contact the following numbers:

Plunketline: 0800 933 922

Barnardos: 0800 4 Barnardos (0800 422762) or 0800 Kidstart (0800 543782)

Healthline - 0800 611 116 

Save the Children - 0800 167 168

Earthquake Government Helpline - 0800 77 999 7

Earthquake Commission claims 0800 326 243