Associate Professor Vanessa Cobham from UQ's School of Psychology and co-author of the Fear-Less Triple P Program, encourages parents to add emotional resilience to their preparation checklist ahead of Queensland's storm and cyclone season.
Writing for Triple P Parenting News, Associate Professor Cobham said that children and young people represent a particularly vulnerable group following natural disasters such as floods and cyclone.
“As a result of the significant disruption to families’ lives, the fallout from natural disasters can take a huge toll on children and parents’ mental health, with research showing that approximately five to 15 per cent of Australian children experience significant mental health symptoms following disaster exposure," Associate Professor Cobham said.
"“Parents and children alike may have experienced or continue to experience a range of emotions after recent disasters, including grief, anger, fear, sadness, and anxiety – this is normal.
“Parents can draw on their recovery experience and use the skills they already have in their parenting toolbox to help build their children’s emotional resilience before disasters occur.
“Just like you would prepare your house ahead of storm season, being emotionally prepared is also important for both parents and children so they can cope with whatever life throws at them in the future."
The article also outlines an emotional resilience preparation plan for parents.
