09 Jan Advice for Au Pairs: Helping Children in Times of Crisis
(updated November 14, 2015)
We are deeply saddened by the tragedy in Paris this week. Because we are a small, tight-knit community that cares deeply about our au pairs and host families, we want to provide some valuable resources to help.
When we are surrounded by a situation of fear and uncertainty such as this, children absorb our emotions and are affected more than they possibly show. It’s vitally important to understand how they process trauma and lend the support and understanding necessary to help them navigate it successfully. They may feel profound anxiety without being able to express it. It’s your job as an au pair to make them feel safe and give then some tools to cope with their emotions.
Please read through the following resources to learn about ways you can help children cope with the trauma, specifically from acts of terrorism and violence. And take a cue from these resources to help yourself as well. We can’t care well for others until we learn to care for ourselves.
As many of these articles are directed as parents, you should also work with your host families to implement some of these recommendations.
How to talk to your kids about the attacks in Paris
Ways to support children after traumatic events
How to help children deal with the anxieties of terrorism
Talking to children about the shooting
Helping young children heal after a crisis
Tips for parent on media coverage
Signs to look for after a child experiences trauma (video)