Frequently Asked Questions – One Page Responses
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Will my child express themselves through play?
As children return to their daily routine, some may begin to express and process their feelings and experiences through play.
How can I help children express their feelings?
It can be hard for both children and adults to express how they are feeling. Sometimes, you need a little help finding the right word.
Will children feel upset or sad?
In general, everyone experiences the feeling of sadness at some point in their life, and it’s okay to feel sad.
Should I limit what my child is seeing in the news after a severe environmental event?
Images and stories following a flood can be scary and confusing to young children and youth no matter their age.
Is there an app I can download for my family or share with families?
The app has tips, suggestions, and ideas on how to help kids cope before, during, and after a disaster. Help Kids Cope created by UCLA is free from Google Play and iTunes.
Is there a template on emergency planning for family home or child care based programs?
Templates are available through DHHS at https://dhhs.ne.gov/Pages/Emergency-Preparedness-in-Child-Care.aspx
Self-care for Educators and Adults
Providing early care and education of children is amazing, but also demanding work. The time, physical get-up-and-go responses to children’s requests, and demands on an educator’s mental well-being takes energy. In order to take care of children, it’s important to take care of yourself. Our partners at Better Kid Care have several resources to support your stress management.
Each person’s cup is unique, find out what makes your cup full. Wondering how to keep your personal energy cup full? If you have ten minutes, then this activity is for you.
Video Vodcasts
These Better Kid Care Vodcasts featuring short videos (2-10 minutes) of research-based content. Vodcasts feature experts interviewed because of their knowledge and authentic experiences caring for children. Watch short videos regarding how to support both children and early educators experiencing stress, talking with children about change, and supporting children through the grief process.
Just like an Emergency Disaster Toolkit, it’s also important to create and use a Self-Care Toolkit to support your own wellbeing so you can provide the best care possible.
Thank you to our colleagues at Better Kid Care, an outreach educational program of Penn State Cooperative Extension, who provided many of the resources on this page and handouts regarding stress management and well-being.