Helping Children Through a Crisis

A Brief Guide to Psychological First Aid (PFA)

During a crisis—whether caused by a natural disaster, conflict, or another traumatic event—the brain shifts into survival mode.

Instead of focusing on learning, playing, or problem-solving, its priority becomes safety.

This is why children (and adults) may suddenly become more anxious, fearful, irritable, clingy, have trouble sleeping, or struggle to concentrate.

These reactions are normal responses to an abnormal situation.

The goal of Psychological First Aid (PFA) is not to provide therapy—it is to help people feel safe, calm, connected, and supported during the immediate aftermath of a crisis.

What Is Psychological First Aid (PFA)?

Psychological First Aid is an evidence-based early intervention designed to:

• Protect
• Calm
• Connect people with their support systems
• Address immediate needs
• Reduce acute stress and lower the risk of long-term psychological difficulties

PFA is not therapy, but it is one of the most effective first responses following a crisis.

The ABCDE Approach

A — Approach & Listen

Approach calmly and respectfully.

Introduce yourself if appropriate and listen without judgment.

Allow the person to share only if they wish.

With children, play, drawing, or silence may communicate more than words.

B — Breathe to Calm the Brain

During panic, breathing often becomes rapid and shallow.

Guide slow breathing:

• Inhale for 4 seconds
• Hold for 4 seconds
• Exhale for 4 seconds

Repeat several times.

Slowing the breath helps reduce the brain’s threat response.

C — Categorize Immediate Needs

A crisis can make the brain feel overwhelmed.

Help prioritize what needs attention first.

Ask:

• Do they have water?
• Food?
• A safe place to stay?
• Medical care if needed?
• A loved one they can reconnect with?

Focusing on one step at a time restores a sense of control.

D — Develop Support Connections

No one should go through a crisis alone.

Whenever possible:

• Keep children with trusted caregivers.
• Encourage connection with family members.
• Utilize community resources and humanitarian organizations.

Social support is one of the strongest protective factors for mental health.

E — Explain That Their Reactions Are Normal

Many people worry that their emotional reactions mean something is wrong with them.

Reassure them that fear, sadness, confusion, sleep difficulties, and emotional distress are common responses after traumatic events.

Feeling overwhelmed does not mean they are weak.

Neuropsychology-Based Strategies

• Stay calm. Your nervous system helps regulate your child’s nervous system.
• Maintain simple routines whenever possible.
• Limit repeated exposure to distressing news and graphic images.
• Answer only the questions your child asks, using age-appropriate language.
• Encourage play, drawing, and other healthy ways of expressing emotions.
• Validate feelings before trying to reassure or solve them.

When Should You Seek Professional Help?

Seek medical or mental health support immediately if a child or adult experiences:

• Loss of contact with reality
• Self-harm or dangerous behaviors
• Severe or prolonged panic episodes
• Inability to eat, sleep, or function
• Symptoms that persist or worsen over time

Seeking help early is an act of protection.

We cannot always control what happens around our children.

But we can become the place where they feel safe.

Children do not need adults who have every answer.

They need adults who provide calm, stability, and hope.

---

This guide is based on the principles of Psychological First Aid (PFA) and recommendations from the Pan American Health Organization (PAHO) and the World Health Organization (WHO) for mental health support during emergencies and disasters.