Children and adults experience and react differently in times of crisis.

We sometimes only think of disasters as weather-related events, but we know that anything that disrupts daily life and community well-being on a large scale is a disaster," said Bradford Wiles, associate professor and extension specialist with Kansas State University's College of Health and Human Services.

"Thinking about and being compassionate in how we all feel and process our emotions is crucial to our own, our families', and our communities' resilience in the face of the current pandemic."

Wiles and associate professor and extension specialist Elizabeth Kiss outline suggested ways parents can help children cope during hard times:

• Reassure the child that you are still together and that you will be there to help as long as you can.

• Return to pre-disaster routines to the extent possible, including bedtime, bath time, meal time and waking up times.

• Make sure you are taking care of yourself. It can be difficult to take care of a child if you are not feeling well.

• Talk with your child about your feelings.

• Encourage children to draw, write or tell stories about their experiences. Talking about how the disaster or tough time has changed them can be beneficial.

Wiles and Kiss have written a publication, Disasters: Children’s Responses and Helping Them Recover, includes information that can help communities recognize the negative effects that tough times have on the mental well-being of children.

The publication, available through Midway Family and Consumer Sciences Agent Jessica Kootz, also includes signs to look for in children and how to emerge in a positive direction from times of crisis.

Jessica Kootz is the Family and Consumer Sciences Agent in the Midway Extension District. For more information on this article or other Family and Consumer Sciences related questions, email Jessica at jessicak@ksu.edu or call a Midway Extension District office at (785) 472-4442 or (785) 483-3157.

SIGNS OF DEPRESSION IN CHILDREN

• EARLY CHILDHOOD: Tantrums, physical complaints, brief periods of sadness, listlessness or hyperactivity, lack of interest in activities, withdrawal.

• MIDDLE CHILDHOOD: New phobias, hyperactivity, conduct disorders (lying or stealing), refusal to leave parents, periods of sadness, vague anxiety or agitation, suicidal thoughts.

• ADOLESCENTS: Changes in appearance, withdrawal, fatigue, eating problems, substance abuse, risk-taking, sudden change in peer group, loss of interest, sleep problems, hostility, suicidal thoughts.

Midway Extension District agents are available during this time of closures and confinement while practicing social distancing. Email and phone are the best way to reach them.