Navigating Childhood Grief and Trauma After a Natural Disaster; In the wake of the Texas Hill Country Flood
Our hearts are broken as we hear and see the tragedy in the Texas Hill Country. The loss of life, belongings, comfort, and stability is incomprehensible. Children taken too soon, friends and family left with insurmountable grief, whole families gone, and many left with nothing. It is truly hard to process the trauma and grief those in the Hill Country have and will experience.
When a natural disaster strikes—a wildfire, flood, hurricane, tornado, or earthquake—it often leaves behind more than physical destruction. The emotional impact, especially on children, can be deep and long-lasting. Children may grieve not just the loss of people or pets, but also their homes, toys, routines, schools, and sense of safety. In many cases, grief and trauma become intertwined, leaving children confused, fearful, and emotionally overwhelmed.
As adults focus on cleanup and recovery, it's vital not to overlook the invisible wounds children may carry. Supporting their emotional recovery requires patience, presence, and understanding of how grief and trauma manifest.
Understanding Childhood Grief and Trauma
Grief and trauma are different but often coexist after a disaster. Grief is a response to loss—whether of a loved one, a home, or a way of life. Trauma is the emotional and psychological response to a distressing or life-threatening experience. Natural disasters often bring both: sudden fear, chaos, separation, and significant loss.
Children don’t always process these experiences in the same way adults do. Their brains are still developing, and they may lack the language or emotional tools to explain what they feel. Instead, they often express their inner world through behavior, body symptoms, and play.
Common responses in children after a natural disaster may include:
Regression (bedwetting, thumb-sucking, clinging to caregivers)
Mood swings, anger, or aggression
Difficulty sleeping or nightmares
Loss of appetite or overeating
Withdrawal or disinterest in activities
Physical symptoms (stomachaches, headaches)
Fear of separation, loud noises, or weather
These signs are normal reactions to an abnormal event. However, when left unaddressed, they can evolve into long-term emotional or behavioral difficulties.
Creating Safety and Stability
After a natural disaster, the world can feel unpredictable and unsafe to a child. The first step in healing is rebuilding a sense of safety, both physically and emotionally.
Re-establish Routines. Predictable schedules offer comfort. Try to maintain consistent meal times, bedtimes, and daily rituals. Even small routines like a morning cuddle or evening story can help a child feel grounded.
Limit Media Exposure. Avoid exposing children to repeated images or news about the disaster. These can retraumatize and increase anxiety.
Offer Reassurance. Let children know you’re there for them. Simple, comforting statements like “You are safe now” and “I will take care of you” go a long way.
Encourage Expression Through Play and Art
Because children may not have the words to explain their emotions, play and art become essential tools for processing trauma and grief.
Draw or Paint Feelings. Ask children to draw their experience or what they remember. This helps externalize emotions and gives adults insight into their internal world.
Tell Stories or Use Puppets. Sometimes, it’s easier for children to talk about what happened when using toys or characters to represent themselves.
Reenact Events Through Play. You may notice children repeatedly playing out scenes of the disaster. While this might seem concerning, it’s often a natural way for them to regain a sense of control and understanding.
Create a safe, judgment-free space for these forms of expression and avoid interrupting or directing their play. Let them lead.
Talk About What Happened—With Honesty and Care
Children need honest, age-appropriate information about what occurred. Avoid vague terms like “went away” when referring to death or loss, as this can be confusing or even frightening.
You might say:
“A big storm came and caused damage, but we are safe now.”
“Some people got hurt, and that’s very sad. I’m here if you have questions.”
Encourage questions and answer them calmly, even if you feel uncertain. Admitting “I don’t know, but I’m here with you” is better than silence.
Validate Their Feelings
Children may experience a wide range of emotions—fear, anger, sadness, guilt, or even relief. Let them know that all feelings are okay. Avoid dismissive phrases like “Don’t cry” or “You’re fine.” Instead, try:
“That sounds really scary.”
“It’s okay to be upset. I’m here for you.”
Validating their experience strengthens emotional resilience and trust
When to Seek Professional Help: Child Therapy in Katy, TX
While many children bounce back with supportive caregiving, some may need additional help to process trauma or complicated grief. Consider seeking support from a child therapist or play therapist at AP Counseling Group if you notice:
Symptoms lasting more than a few weeks
Intense separation anxiety
Ongoing aggression or withdrawal
Nightmares that worsen over time
Regression that doesn’t improve
Therapies like play therapy, trauma-focused cognitive behavioral therapy (TF-CBT), or EMDR, grief therapy, and child counseling are all effective in helping children recover from traumatic events.
The Healing Power of Play Therapy
Play therapy is a developmentally appropriate and powerful method for helping children express emotions, process trauma, and build coping skills. In a safe, therapeutic play space, children can symbolically work through fear, grief, and confusion—often without needing to verbalize it.
A trained play therapist guides this process, helping children make sense of their experience, regain a sense of control, and strengthen emotional resilience.
Final Thoughts
Healing from a natural disaster takes time for both children and adults. While buildings and roads may be rebuilt in a matter of months, emotional recovery is a more delicate, ongoing process. By providing consistent support, listening without judgment, encouraging expression, and seeking professional help when needed, caregivers can help children emerge from grief and trauma with hope, strength, and healing.
Children are incredibly resilient, especially when they feel seen, safe, and supported. With love, understanding, and guidance, they can move through grief—not around it—and discover their own courage in the face of loss.
You’re Not Alone in This: Support That Meets Your Family Where You Are
If your child is struggling to process the grief, fear, or trauma following the recent disaster, we’re here to help. At AP Counseling Group, our team of trained child therapists and play therapists offers a safe, nurturing space for healing. We specialize in helping children make sense of overwhelming experiences through developmentally appropriate, trauma-informed care.
You don’t need to have all the answers. Whether you’re noticing changes in your child’s behavior or simply trusting your gut that something feels off, we’re here to walk alongside you. Follow the steps below to get started:
Reach out to us here to get paired with a trauma-informed child therapist.
Explore our blogs for more insights into child grief and trauma.
You’re doing the best you can in incredibly hard circumstances. Let us come alongside you with care, expertise, and hope.
Other Services We Offer in Katy & Surrounding Areas
We know that healing happens best when the whole family is supported. That’s why we offer several services at AP Counseling Group. Our trauma counseling helps clients heal from painful experiences, while teen counseling helps adolescents navigate challenges and strengthen their relationships. Additionally, adult counseling and Christian counseling are tailored to support adults manage life pressures, relationship challenges, and more.
About the Author: Amy Oxener (LCSW-S, RPT)
Amy Oxener (LCSW-S, RPT) is a Licensed Clinical Social Worker Supervisor, Registered Play Therapist, and Certified Clinical Trauma Professional (CCTP). Additionally, advanced training in Adlerian Play Therapy, Theraplay (Level One), and Trauma-Focused CBT. Amy specializes in working with children facing ADHD, anxiety, emotional dysregulation, and behavior concerns.
Amy’s approach is holistic and attachment-based, blending cognitive-behavioral and narrative therapies while attending to the emotional, mental, spiritual, and relational needs of each child. Whether your child is overwhelmed by big emotions or struggling with transitions, Amy is here to help them—and you—find clarity, confidence, and healing.