Flood Recovery: Helping Children Cope
Flooding can be a frightening and unsettling experience for children and young people. Whether they have been directly impacted, displaced from their home, or exposed to distressing images and conversations through media and their community, floods can disrupt a child’s sense of safety, routine and control. Even after the immediate danger has passed, the emotional effects may continue for some time.
Recovery is supported not only through rebuilding homes and communities, but through strong social support. Children benefit most when they feel emotionally supported through empathy and reassurance, practically supported through help and stability, informed through clear and age-appropriate explanations, and connected through relationships and shared activities that foster a sense of belonging.
Children may respond to floods in different ways depending on their age, temperament and experience. Some may talk openly about their fears or worries, while others may show changes in behaviour, sleep, mood or concentration. Understanding these responses helps parents and carers support recovery in calm, reassuring and effective ways.
Reassure Safety and Provide Clear Information
Children need to know they are safe now. Offer simple, honest and age-appropriate explanations about what has happened and what is being done to keep them safe. Avoid speculation or excessive detail, and gently correct misunderstandings that may increase fear.
Acknowledge and Normalise Emotional Responses
Fear, sadness, frustration or confusion are normal reactions after flooding. Let your child know their feelings are valid and that recovery takes time. Encourage conversation, but allow children to talk at their own pace and in ways that feel comfortable for them.
Maintain Routines and Practical Support
Predictable routines help restore a sense of control and normality. Where possible, keep regular mealtimes, bedtimes, school attendance and daily activities. Practical support and consistency provide reassurance during times of uncertainty.
Support Expression Through Play and Connection
Children often process experiences through play, drawing or storytelling rather than words. Spending time together, engaging in shared activities and maintaining social connections with trusted adults and peers helps foster belonging and emotional recovery.
Help Children Understand Trauma Responses
It can be helpful for parents to understand that reactions such as clinginess, irritability, withdrawal or difficulty concentrating are common after distressing events. These responses usually ease with time, reassurance and support, but ongoing concerns should be discussed with your school wellbeing team or a health professional.
Prioritise Rest, Nutrition and Physical Activity
Good sleep, balanced nutrition and regular physical movement support emotional regulation and recovery. Encourage healthy routines while allowing time for rest and relaxation, helping children rebuild both physical and emotional resilience.
Limit Exposure to Distressing Media
Repeated exposure to flood coverage can heighten anxiety. Monitor and limit news and social media consumption, and talk with your child about what they may have seen or heard to provide reassurance and perspective.
Model Calm and Coping
Children take cues from the adults around them. Managing your own stress where possible, modelling calm problem-solving and seeking support when needed reassures children and strengthens their sense of safety.