Outbreaks of infectious diseases, like the flu or measles, can be stressful for families. Beyond the physical health concerns, these events can bring anxiety, grief, and disruption to everyday life. This guide helps parents and caregivers prepare emotionally to support children during the crisis, and recover with resilience.
Whether you’re bracing for an outbreak, in the middle of one, or adjusting after the fact, your family’s emotional health matters.
PREPAREDNESS: Build a Foundation for Emotional Readiness
Even before an outbreak begins, you can take steps to help your family feel more secure and supported.
Talk Early, Talk Often
- Use age-appropriate language to talk about illness and change.
- Make “check-in” conversations a normal part of your routine. For example, if a friend is sick at school, discuss what that means, and what they can expect.
What You Can Say
“Your friend may be out of school for a couple of days, but they should be back soon. Make sure you wash your hands so you can stay healthy for when your friend comes back.”
Create a Family Coping Plan
- Who do your kids turn to when they’re scared? Make sure they know who their safe adults are.
- Make a list of trusted contacts and places in your neighborhood in case of emergencies
- Build a “comfort kit” together with books, music, photos, and calming activities.
Model Calm and Self-Care
Kids mirror your emotions. Practice small, visible acts of self-care.
Let them see you take deep breaths, talk about feelings, and ask for help when needed.
RESPONSE: Support Emotional Health During an Outbreak
When there is a health crisis, normal routines can be changed. People’s worries can spread from one person to the next.Your steady presence is one of the most powerful tools your child has.
Protect Routines (Even in Small Ways)
Keep wake up and bedtime routines, meals, homework, and playtimes as consistent as possible.
Example #1
If remote schoolwork is implemented, plan activities at home that look like the ones they miss from school.
Give kids choices when possible.
Example #2
If mask use is required, let them pick one out.
Acknowledge Emotions
Helping kids name their feelings can help kids feel less overwhelmed
Name feelings: “It’s okay to feel mad, scared, or bored.”
Offer choices: “Do you want to draw about how you feel or talk it out?”
Limit Upsetting News
Keep adult conversations and headlines to a minimum if you don’t have a good way to use age-appropriate explanations
Check in on what your child is hearing from friends or social media.
RECOVERY: Help Kids Bounce Back and Grow Stronger
Even after an outbreak fades, kids may still feel anxiety, confusion, or sadness. Recovery is about reestablishing safety so kids can explore what was lost or changed.
Rebuild Connection
Make space for movement. Kids can have a range of emotions and moving one’s body can help diffuse the physical stress reactions, such as tense muscles.
Make space for fun. Laughter is a natural healing support.
Look for community: neighbors, schools, faith groups, support networks.
Watch for Signs of Stress
Trouble sleeping, irritability, stomachaches, or withdrawal can all be red flags.
Red Flags include:
- Trouble sleeping
- Irritability
- Stomachaches
- Withdrawal
If you see signs of stress, talk to your child’s physician.
Reflect and Learn
Celebrate your family’s resilience. Name the strengths you saw in each other. Be honest about ways you would like to improve so your children can do the same.
Every outbreak is different, but your ability to support your child’s mental well-being is steady and strong. With preparation and time, your family can face uncertainty with courage.
Additional Resources
HealthyChildren.org: How to Protect Your Children During Measles Outbreak
HealthyChildren.org: How to Help Children Build Resilience in Uncertain Times