In the wake of the devastating floods that impacted Central Texas communities, many families are left grappling with loss, uncertainty, and difficult conversations. While adults process the gravity of this disaster, children are also absorbing the images, emotions, and disruptions around them — often in quiet or unseen ways.
To support families during this time, Dr. Puja Patel, Director of Pediatric Psychology at Dell Children’s Medical Center and Clinical Associate Professor in the Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences for Dell Medical School at the University of Texas at Austin, offers five essential tips to help parents and caregivers talk with children about what’s happened. These insights can help children feel seen, heard, and safe — and help caregivers approach conversations with clarity and compassion.
Five Tips for Talking to Children About the Central Texas Floods
- Ask what they know.
Set aside time for a conversation and ask your child what they have seen and heard about the floods. Give them space to share what they understand and might be concerned about.
- Clarify their understanding.
Clear up any misconceptions your child may have and describe what happened in simple, age-appropriate language. For example, you could say, “A flood is what happens when it rains a lot and there’s nowhere for all of that water to drain. Then the water gets very high and very dangerous.”
- Help them feel safe.
Some children may be afraid that a similar disaster could happen to them. You can help them feel safe by speaking in calm tones and letting them voice their concerns. Let them know about the resources available in case of an emergency, some ways that they can stay safe and what others are doing to help those who have been affected by the floods.
- Maintain routines.
As much as it makes sense for your family, try to maintain normal routines including fun activities or time with friends. These small and familiar actions help children feel secure.
- Take care of yourself.
Children often take their cues from the adults around them. So if you’re struggling to cope, they may struggle as well. Take care of yourself and process your own feelings about this disaster. You will be in a better position to guide your child through their own thoughts and feelings when you’ve taken time for some self-care.
You can create time for conversations about the Central Texas floods by taking a walk together as a family or setting aside intentional time for everyone to share their feelings. You can also refer to the resources below to guide you and your family through this difficult time.
Watch the video with Dr. Puja Patel, Director of Pediatric Psychology at Dell Children’s Medical Center and Director of Pediatric Psychology in UT Health Austin Pediatric Psychiatry at Dell Children’s: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_BHGAUGpW8A
Explore family mental health and flood relief resources: https://supportdellchildrens.org/2025/07/flood-relief-resources/
