Use books to discuss disasters with children

AMES — Weather-related disasters have been part of daily life in Iowa for adults and also for children as they see information on local news, hear adults talking about the destruction and try to understand the situation.

It’s important to talk with children about what they are experiencing, says Danielle Day, a human sciences specialist with Iowa State University Extension and Outreach.

“Don’t assume children don’t know what is happening,” said Day, who specializes in family well-being.

“We’ve witnessed the devastation that tornadoes, floods and strong winds can have on a community. However, we’ve also been able to see and hear stories of resilience and Iowans coming together to assist each other in clean up, community support and rebuilding.

“Children are dealing with the emotions that come along with these disasters, just like the adults in their lives are.”

While some children may be great at expressing how they are feeling about events like weather disasters, others may find it harder to express their thoughts and feelings regarding these events.

Adults can use storybooks to help children learn about natural disasters, understand their feelings, gain empathy and express their emotions. They might be able to see a character in a book that they can relate to and open a discussion about the feelings they are having.

Books also can be tools to involve children in planning for emergencies, creating emergency kits and identifying community helpers. They can help parents and children discuss their big or scary feelings together in a safe way — through discussing the feelings of the characters in the books.

“Be sure you are using age-appropriate books that provide information in a way that doesn’t create additional fear or stress for children,” Day said.

Child Care Aware of America has compiled a list of 100 children’s books that can be used to support discussions of emergency preparedness, response and recovery around disasters.

“When we use age-appropriate books, we can then hold meaningful discussions around these topics. Before reading the book, you might engage with children by looking at the cover and pictures and asking what they think the book is about,” Day said.

While reading, pause to allow time for children to review pictures, make comments and ask questions. Tell children the definition of any new vocabulary words and ask them questions about what is happening in the book.

After reading the book, talk about how it relates to the child’s family or experiences or engage in activities to extend the topic.

Day offered some recommended books to consider:

“Wemberly Worried,” by Kevin Henkes. This story addresses worrying and anxiety in a positive and child-friendly manner.

“Here Come the Helpers,” by Leslie Kimmelman. This book showcases the different types of helpers in various emergency situations.

“Stormy Night,” by Salina Yoon. During a stormy night, Bear comforts his toy bunny and his parents. As the storm goes on, they comfort him.

“Flash, Crash, Rumble and Roll,” by Franklyn M. Branley. Storms can be scary, but not if you know what causes them. This non-fiction book helps explain what causes storms.

“Flood Warning,” by Katharine Kenah. This illustrated, non-fiction book explores the different kinds of floods, how they start and how to stay safe — while also building vocabulary.

“National Geographic Kids Readers: Weather,” by Kristin Baird Rattini. This book has real photos to teach children about different kinds of weather (available in English and Spanish).

The “Prepare with Pedro” series, by the American Red Cross and FEMA, can be downloaded or printed copies can be ordered from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security's Ready.gov website (available in multiple languages).

“Trinka and Sam: The Swirling, Twirling Wind” is available from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network and features a parent guide (available in English and Spanish).

The “Ready Wrigley Activity Book” series, from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, talks about preparing for and coping after multiple types of disasters. Go to stacks.cdc.gov and search with the keywords Ready Wrigley (available in English and Spanish).