Consider the need of the children
- If you have a child in your care, you can help them feel secure in a difficult situation. Meet the child’s immediate needs. Ensure that they get enough sleep, eat and drink properly and get enough physical activity.
- Try to stick to routines, as far as is possible in the circumstances, as routines mean predictability and normality and are important for re-establishing calm and stability.
- Take time to acknowledge the child and answer any questions in a concrete and age-appropriate way.
- Be with the child so that they understand that you’re there for their sake. Do things together – throw a ball, read, play or draw.
- Limit the child’s exposure to anything that might frighten them, such as news, unpleasant pictures or conversations about the incident.
- Give the child more hugs, hold them and let them sit on your lap more.