The devastating Central Texas floods of July 2025 have become one of the most tragic natural disasters in Texas history. The severe flooding in the Kerr County/Kerrville/Hunt area has already claimed over 100 lives—many of them children attending a summer camp. Though the flooding occurred miles away from Katy and West Houston, its impact is being deeply felt here at home. Several of those lost, including children, were from the greater Houston area. As our communities grieve, families are struggling to find the right words, comfort, and support for their children in the face of overwhelming loss.
Disasters like this one affect all of us, but children and teens often have fewer tools to make sense of such traumatic events. Their responses may be unpredictable and prolonged. As caregivers, our own ability to stay grounded becomes a critical part of helping children feel safe again. Recovery—both physical and emotional—takes time, and there’s no “right way” to grieve or move forward. In the aftermath of a disaster, emotional support becomes just as critical as physical recovery. Families may benefit from connecting with organizations like the American Red Cross, which offers disaster mental health support including crisis counseling, grief processing, and long-term emotional care.
How Children React to Tragedy
After events like the Central Texas floods, children may display a wide range of emotional and behavioral reactions. These may include:
Anxiety or persistent worries about safety
Increased curiosity or fear about death and dying
Clinginess, irritability, or sudden mood swings
Trouble sleeping, nightmares, or fear of being alone
Sadness or emotional numbness
Trouble concentrating or changes in school performance
Some children may seem unaffected at first, only to show signs of distress weeks or even months later, once they begin to process the event more fully.
Supporting Children After a Disaster
Here are ways adults can support children and teens in the aftermath of such an emotionally overwhelming tragedy:
Model calm, honest communication. Children pick up on our emotions. We don’t need to hide our sadness or worry—but we do need to show them how to express those feelings in healthy, age-appropriate ways.
Reassure with honesty and care. Let children know they are safe now. Use clear, simple language to explain what happened. Avoid vague reassurances like “everything will be okay” if you can’t be certain but emphasize what is being done to protect and support your family and community.
Make space for feelings—whatever they are. Encourage children to talk, draw, or play out their thoughts and emotions. Don’t try to “fix” their feelings—reflect and validate instead. Let them know their reactions are normal and that many others are feeling similarly.
Limit exposure to graphic news and adult conversations. Even when they’re not directly part of a conversation, children are often listening. Too much exposure can increase anxiety, especially when they don’t fully understand what’s being said.
Highlight the helpers. Fred Rodgers had excellent advice. Point out the incredible acts of bravery and kindness: first responders, camp counselors, volunteers, and everyday people coming together to help others. This gives children a sense of hope and balance amid the devastation.
Give them something to do. Helping can be healing. Involve children in small, age-appropriate acts of kindness—writing thank-you notes to first responders, collecting donations, making artwork, or simply reaching out to a grieving friend or neighbor.
Stick to routines when possible. Establish or re-establish regular bedtimes, meals, and daily expectations. Predictability brings comfort in times of chaos.
Call the event what it is. Naming the event as a tragedy or trauma can validate confusing emotions and help children begin to process what they’ve experienced or witnessed—even from afar.
Children often express trauma in ways that differ from adults, and having access to developmentally appropriate resources is key. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network provides additional evidence-based tools for helping children cope with trauma after natural disasters.
When to Seek Additional Support
Watch for signs that your child may need professional help:
Symptoms that persist beyond 4 weeks and interfere with daily functioning
Withdrawal, emotional numbness, or extreme mood swings
Obsession with the traumatic event or persistent fears about safety
Risky or unsafe behavior, or expressions of hopelessness
Grief and trauma do not follow a neat timeline. Every child is different, and every reaction is valid.
Moving Forward Together
The July floods have left our state grieving and shaken, but they’ve also shown us how resilient and compassionate our communities can be. As we support each other through loss, we also teach our children what it means to care—for themselves and for others. Every act of compassion, every honest conversation, and every effort to connect can help turn tragedy into resilience.
By Lourdes Valdés, Ph.D.