Parenting Hub: Support for parents, children, and adolescents in emergency situations

How parents can help their children to talk about difficult topics without forgetting about self-care

UNICEF Myanmar
UNICEF Myanmar/2022/Naing Lin Soe

Emergency situations usually occur without warning or notice. Our lives can be turned upside down and fundamentally change as a result. Our values often change, and our opportunities become limited. These situations are accompanied by constant uncertainty, instability, bad news, pessimism, abrupt changes to the organization and structure of our lives, and so forth. 

Everyone is faced with a new reality; new and unfamiliar problems arise, especially for parents, who feel responsible not only for themselves but also for the health and wellbeing of their children. And although some can manage their emotions associated with their new reality and continue to move forward, there are surely many who need psychological assistance and support.   

Please see the support articles below to help parents, children, and adolescents overcome psychological issues caused by emergency situations.  

Parenting in Emergencies

Heat wave safety tips

Learn how to help keep your children and family safe in extreme heat

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Earthquake safety information

Expert tips for keeping yourself and your family safe

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Flood safety information for parents

What you need to know before, during and after the storm.

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How to prepare for a cyclone

Keep your family safe during a cyclone

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Children's Mental Health

How to talk to your children about conflict and war

8 tips to support and comfort your children.

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How you can support your child during bombing

Tips for parents on physical safety and how to reduce stress

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How to provide psychological first aid

When providing psychological first aid, you should keep in mind three action principles: look, listen, link.

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How to talk to your children about the death of a loved one

Helping your children cope with loss, grief and painful feelings

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How to support your child during conflict and crisis

Advice for navigating the most difficult times

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Busted: 7 myths about mental health

Separating fact from fiction.

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Four things you can do to support your teen’s mental health

Show your teenager love and care, while looking after yourself.

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How to recognize signs of distress in children

Common reactions to stress in children

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Breastfeeding Tips

Baby basics: How to burp your baby

Learn parent-proven techniques on how to burp your baby

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Common breastfeeding positions

5 ways to make feeding comfortable for you and your baby

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5 common breastfeeding problems

Learn about the challenges and how to face them.

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Busted: 14 myths about breastfeeding

"You should only eat plain food while breastfeeding." Fact or fiction?

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Children and Play

How to remove gender stereotypes from playtime

Inclusive play for all children

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10 ways to create healthy digital habits at home

Expert advice on how to improve your family’s relationship with tech – and each other

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How to discipline your child the smart and healthy way

Positive discipline for better mental and physical health and a happy childhood

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Babies need humans, not screens

Find out why, and how, too much screen time can harm your child

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Playtime, anytime!

Turn everyday routines into fun playful moments for learning and brain development

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The science of play

It’s not just fun – it’s fundamental to your child’s development

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