FROM PBS: When Something Scary Happens: Resources to Help Families Cope

WHENSomething ScaryHAPPENS

Resources to Help Families Cope in Emergencies
and Other Challenging Times

WATCHLINK

• 

  Follow the Plan

  Daniel Tiger explains that it’s important for families to have a plan that everyone can follow in case of an emergency.
• 

  Emergency Kit

  Daniel Tiger explains that it’s important for families to have a safety kit in case of emergencies.
• 

  Find the Helpers

  There are many people families can turn to in difficult times. Daniel Tiger reminds us to look for the helpers and be a helper, too.
• 

  Tell Someone

  Arthur shows the importance of telling someone how you’re feeling when you’re afraid.
• 

  Lend a Helping Hand

  Buster and Brain remind us that there are lots of ways children and families can help during a crisis.

ACTIVITIES

• Draw Your Feelings (pdf)

  When something difficult or unexpected happens, children may experience many different feelings. In this activity, kids can draw a picture that shows how they are feeling today.

• Emergency Supply Kit (pdf)

  Use this handy checklist to help your family pack an emergency supply kit.

• Shelter from the Storm: Digital Storybook

  Designed to accompany the ARTHUR episode "Shelter from the Storm," this online storybook allows kids and their caregivers to revisit the story in two ways: either straight through, or by following each character's storyline.

RESOURCES

• How to Prepare Children for Unexpected Events & Emergencies

  Children always benefit when they are prepared for something that is about to happen. Here are some helpful tips you can use during diffiult or scary times.

• Helping Children Cope After a Crisis or Emergency

  In addition to preparing children before a crisis or emergency, adults also need to offer guidance as they deal with their feelings afterward. Here is some advice that may help.

• Encouraging Pretend Play

  Difficult times often leave children with confusing feelings. Pretend play gives them a chance to express their feelings about the world around them and their place in it.

• Helping Children Become Resilient: A Guide for Educators (pdf)

  This guide shows how educators can use the "Shelter from the Storm" and "April 9th" ARTHUR episodes to create effective school activities and programs that will help kids cope with unexpected events.

• More Resources

  Need more information? Here are links to online resources that offer useful advice about handling a crisis or emergency.
  • Early Childhood Development in Emergencies
  • Early Child Development Kit: A Treasure Box of Activities (pdf)
  • Little Listeners in an Uncertain World: Coping Strategies for You and Your Young Child After Traumatic Events (pdf)
  • After the Crisis: Using Storybooks to Help Children Cope

PBS KIDS and the PBS KIDS Logo are registered trademarks of Public Broadcasting Service. Used with permission. "Arthur" & the other Marc Brown ARTHUR characters and underlying materials (including artwork) ™ and © 2000 Marc Brown. DANIEL TIGER'S NEIGHBORHOOD © 2015 The Fred Rogers Company.

® Public Broadcasti