7 tips on how to help kids deal with evacuation trauma

Counselling will be available at schools across the province Thursday and next week for students who may be troubled by the evacuations Wednesday, school officials say.

But for parents looking for advice on how to talk to their children about traumatic events, the Public Schools Branch and Nadine DeWolfe, President of the Psychological Association of PEI, offer these tips:

Talk, talk, talk

"Anytime anything happens in the world it starts with good communication at home with the people you love," DeWolfe said. "They need to be reassured that they're ok."

DeWolfe, who has children aged 17, 14 and 11, said she told them it was unlikely there would be any physical harm from the bomb threat, but the schools needed to be sure so they evacuated.

Follow the children's lead

"If they're asking questions, you answer the questions they're asking and not catastrophize and start to wonder what if," DeWolfe said.

Be calm and reassuring

Children take their emotional cues from the significant adults in their lives, school officials said. Let them know it's OK to feel upset, even angry, but try to avoid appearing anxious or frightened.

"Remind them trustworthy people are in charge. Explain that emergency workers, police, firefighters, doctors, and the government are helping people who are hurt and are working to ensure that no further tragedies like this occur," said DeWolfe.

Tell the truth

Don't try to pretend the event has not occurred or that it is not serious, said a release from the Public Schools Branch.

Children are smart. They will be more worried if they think you are too afraid to tell them what is happening. At the same time it will be important to tell children that while the threat of terrorism is real, the chances they will be personally affected is low.

Don't stereotype

Be careful not to stereotype people or countries that might be associated with the violence. Children can easily generalize negative statements and develop prejudice.

"Talk about tolerance and justice versus vengeance. Stop any bullying or teasing immediately," school officials said.

What if they don't want to go to school?

School is back in session Thursday, but many children may not want to go back quite yet.

"You have to explore with them. Tell me 'What are your worries? What do you think is going to happen?'" DeWolfe said.

Maintain a 'normal' routine

To the extent possible stick to normal classroom or family routines but don't be inflexible, school officials said.

"Children may have a hard time concentrating on schoolwork or falling asleep at night."

• RCMP deem P.E.I. school threat 'not credible'
• Lack of buses caused confusion for Cornwall primary school during evacuation
• Students will return to school Thursday