How to Help Children Cope After Losing Someone in the Texas Flood

Understanding the Impact of Tragedy on Children

In the wake of the recent and devastating flooding in the Texas Hill Country, many families are struggling to make sense of the loss. For children, especially, learning that someone they knew has died in a natural disaster can be deeply traumatic. Whether it was a family member, neighbor, counselor, or friend, grief in children presents in unique ways that require compassion and patience.

Signs of Grief in Children

Children may not always verbalize their grief the way adults do. Instead, it often shows up through behavior and emotional responses. Be on the lookout for:

  • Changes in sleep or eating habits

  • Withdrawal from family and friends

  • Increased anxiety or clinginess

  • Acting out or tantrums

  • Regression in behavior

  • Questions about death, fear of more disasters, or guilt

Understanding that these reactions are normal is key. However, ongoing signs of distress may signal the need for grief counseling or trauma-focused therapy.

Photo by Jutta Kamp on Unsplash

How Parents and Caregivers Can Help

If your child has been affected by the loss of someone due to the Hill Country flooding, here are practical steps you can take:

1. Talk Openly but Gently

Use age-appropriate language. Avoid euphemisms like “went to sleep” or “passed away,” which can confuse younger children. Be honest, while offering reassurance.

2. Listen Without Judgment

Allow your child to express their emotions—fear, sadness, anger—without trying to “fix” them. Simply being there to listen can be incredibly healing.

3. Maintain Routines

Structure and routine can provide a sense of safety and normalcy during chaotic times. Keep daily schedules as consistent as possible.

4. Encourage Expression Through Art or Play

Younger children may benefit from drawing, storytelling, or role-playing to work through their emotions.

5. Model Healthy Grief

Let your child see that you also feel sad and are coping. It teaches them that grieving is normal and manageable.

When to Seek Professional Help

If your child’s symptoms persist or worsen after several weeks, it may be helpful to consider professional counseling. At Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, we specialize in:

  • Child trauma therapy

  • Grief counseling for children, teens, and adults

  • Anxiety and emotional regulation therapy

No child should have to navigate loss alone. Parents and friends can help a lot by providing emotional support and by simpy listening. If you believe your child needs additional support from a professional, please know that support is available. Our compassionate counselors in Dallas are here to guide your child and your family through this journey toward healing.

1.    Contact Sunrise Counseling 

2.    Meet with one of our caring therapists

Mental Health Services at Sunrise Counseling in Dallas, TX 

Sunrise Counseling offers a variety of mental health services in our Dallas TX-based therapy office and offers telehealth therapy to those residing in Texas and Colorado. Mental health services we provide at Sunrise Counseling include:

Gayla Sahl