Schools
21 March, 2025
Helping kids after Alfred
AS communities across Queensland rebuild after the devastation of Tropical Cyclone Alfred, experts are urging parents to prioritize emotional resilience in their children’s recovery.
The Triple P – Positive Parenting Program (Triple P) is offering advice on how families can support children and young people dealing with anxiety and stress during and after a natural disaster.
Dr Vanessa Cobham, co-author of Fear Less Triple P Online and a professor at The University of Queensland’s School of Psychology, emphasises the importance of an “emotional resilience plan” for families coping with disaster-related trauma.
According to Dr Cobham, natural disasters can take a severe toll on both children and parents’ mental health, with research showing that between 5 per cent and 15 per cent of Australian children experience significant mental health symptoms after such events.
“Parents, carers, and children alike can experience a range of emotions, including grief, fear, and anxiety – this is completely normal,” she said.
“Thankfully, there is now a greater understanding of the impacts that natural disasters have on children and young people and a lot of work being done to help disaster-affected communities move towards positive recovery.”
Triple P offers several tips for helping children navigate their emotions during these challenging times.
Open communication is crucial.
Discussing the event with children in a calm, honest way can help them process their feelings and reduce unnecessary anxiety.
Model being calm.
Parents can also model emotional resilience by staying calm and practicing relaxation techniques like deep breathing.
Pause and listen.
Listening to children’s concerns and validating their emotions is another vital step in helping them cope.
Involving children in disaster preparation can also provide a sense of control and calm.
In addition to these strategies, parents are encouraged to tap into their support networks, including emergency helplines such as Kids Helpline (1800 551 800) and Lifeline (13 11 14), for further assistance.
Parents can access free online resources to support their families through the Triple P – Positive Parenting Program at any time, thanks to funding from the Australian Government Department of Health and Aged Care.
For more information, visit triplep-parenting.net.au.
