Important Parent Information from Indiana Project Aftermath

September 5, 2008

Dear Parents,

     As many of you know, this past summer Indiana experienced a disaster.  Some of you may even have had damage to your home, family, and/or personal life as a result of this.  Indiana Project Aftermath wishes to support you and your children as the school year begins.  IN Project Aftermath is through the State of Indiana, Family and Social Services Administration.  Project Aftermath is grant-funded through FEMA nationally to provide emotional support and information for survivors of a disaster.  There is a lot you can do to help your children deal with the disaster that has happened.  First of all, try your best to be calm and reassuring to your child.  Discuss your feelings about the disaster with other adults (friends, neighbors, church members, co-workers), not with your children.  Reassure your child that the disaster were in no way their fault.  Be tolerant of changes in mood and behavior with your children.  They are not trying to upset you, but can be having normal reactions to what they have experienced.  Getting angry, frustrated, or yelling at your child will only make the situation worse.

Helpful Hints:

1)      Stick to normal bedtime and school routines, or begin to develop one.

-          Have family dinners together.

-          Continue sending your child to school or day care.

-          Encourage your child to participate in sports or other activities they enjoy.

2)      Help your child feel in control.

-          Let them choose what the family will have for dinner one night.

-          Have the child pick a family activity to do together.

3)      Give your child extra attention.

-          Have “talk time” with your child.

-          Spend time doing normal activities with your children (reading stories, doing dishes, going for a walk).

4)      Talk to your children about the disaster.

-          Tell your child that it’s normal to have feelings of sadness, anger, and fear.

-          Don’t dwell on scary details of the disaster, but honestly answer any questions your child may
     have.

-          Don’t be afraid to tell your child you don’t have all the answers to their questions, and seek help
     from your local church or school counselor if needed.

     If there is anything related to the disaster that we can help you with please call us toll free at 866-679-4631.  You can also get resources on our web-site at: www.indianaprojectaftermath.org.  Thank you so much for your time.

Sincerely,

Megan Stanley, MSW 

IN Project Aftermath, District 5 & 7 Team Leader