Babies, young children and stressful events

Transcript

It's always okay to seek help in stressful times. If you need support, please see the resources at the end of this video.

As adults, sometimes we don't realise how much stressful events can affect babies and young children. Separation from a parent or usual caregiver injury or illness. Natural disasters and exposure to violence, whether in real life or on a screen, can all leave children feeling frightened, worried, sad, or angry.

When difficult events like this happen, things can change for the whole family. While adults may be stressing about medical treatment, insurance, the cleanup, the bills, babies and young children may be upset by other things, losing a favourite toy, worrying about their parents. These feelings are all completely normal.

It's important that parents take time to care for themselves first, so they can then provide the best support for their children and help them work out how to respond. While children may be too young to fully understand the facts about what happened or what the future may hold, they can still be affected in many ways.

Even siblings may respond to events differently. Some may have trouble getting to sleep while others have nightmares.

They may start to eat a lot more than before or a lot less. Many children become more clingy following a disruption in their lives. Others may have tantrums or get upset by reminders of what happened. After a stressful event, it's important to help children feel that the world is safe and predictable again.

Most babies and young children recover quickly with support from their parents and other caregivers. Try to reestablish family routines as soon as possible. Soothing activities can help, try gentle rocking or swinging. Listening to music or doing relaxation together. Reading a book about the stressful event can help a child's structure and makes sense of what they've experienced.

Remember, young children often process their emotions through drawing, talking, or play. So it's important to be there for them. Show your child, you are tuned in to how you and they are feeling, and that you'll always listen and care. Sometimes a child may need more support to recover from a difficult time.

If their behaviour continues to be unusual interferes with daily activities like going to childcare and starts to affect their relationships with you or with others. It may be time to get more help. There's lots of support available to help you, your child and your family get back on track after a stressful event.

Remember, it's always okay to get help and support for you and your little ones. Talk with your doctor, child health nurse or another healthcare professional, or check out these online resources.