When a tragedy strikes, the entire community feels the loss.
As kids prepare to return to school, parents and caregivers face the challenge of helping them heal, and in turn it may help repair the whole state.
Dr. Ceci Hudson-Torn, a licensed professional counselor and founder of Ethos Wellness, says the loss from events like the Hill Country floods has many layers and touches everyone in the community.
“What’s so significant about what our community has experienced is a loss that has many layers,” Hudson-Torn said. “The classmates, the soccer teammates of these families that have been impacted. And so living in community, this loss and grief that impacts some of us, naturally impacts all of us.”
Even those not directly affected share in the grief because communities are connected, she explained.
When children struggle to express their feelings, Hudson-Torn recommends using art, play, and talking about body sensations to help them connect with their emotions.
“If we’re finding a hard time with words, we can do things like art and play, particularly for kids that are younger than 10,” she said. “I also love starting with body sensations and talking about, okay tell me what do you feel in your body? Does your stomach feel upset? Do you feel tightness in your shoulders?”
When it comes to answering children’s questions about trauma, Hudson-Torn says it’s okay not to have all the answers.
“Sometimes the most powerful thing you can say is, ‘I don’t know exactly how we’re gonna get through this, but I can assure you I’ll be with you as we navigate it.’ Being present and supportive helps children feel safe even when the future is uncertain,” she said.
Hudson-Torn encourages open, honest conversations that are developmentally appropriate, meaning explanations should match the child’s age and understanding. She advised, “Be straightforward and authentic. Listen first to understand what they’re really asking so you can respond to their needs without oversharing or causing more worry.”
She also notes that validating feelings does not mean approving all behaviors but rather acknowledging emotions to help children process them. “Validation is the first starting point,” she said. “Once we name and validate that emotion, we can help kids check the facts and decide what thoughts and behaviors match their feelings.”
As kids head back to school, parents can help ease separation anxiety by reassuring them and addressing specific worries. Hudson-Torn suggested, “Let’s check the facts. Does your school seem safe? What specific things are you worried about? Open dialogue and reassurance can help children feel more secure.”
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Finally, she reminds parents that healing is a process that requires patience, connection, and compassion. “When a tragedy hits, it’s not just the families directly affected who suffer - it’s the entire community,” she said. “Helping our kids return to school with compassion, understanding, and connection helps us all heal together.”
For parents, Hudson-Torn emphasizes the importance of managing their own anxiety because children pick up on emotions more than adults realize.
“Kids are so perceptive, they’re so smart, even if our languaging is reassuring to them,” she said. “If our state, our body language, our facial expression, the way we hold their bodies, doesn’t show that same confidence and assuredness, they’ll pick up on that, they’ll read it. That creates more anxiety for kids, not less.”
Hudson-Torn encourages parents to create a safe and supportive environment where children feel free to express themselves without judgment.
Here are some trusted Houston-area resources that are here for you—without judgment, without pressure, just support:
Bo’s Place
Free grief support groups for kids, teens, adults, and families. Whether your loss was recent or a while ago, Bo’s Place gives you space to be heard—or to sit quietly with others who understand.bosplace.org | 📞 713-942-8339
The Harris Center for Mental Health and IDD
They offer counseling and 24/7 crisis support. If your emotions feel too big to handle—or if someone in your family is struggling—this is a place to start. theharriscenter.org | 📞 Crisis Line: 713-970-7000
United Way of Greater Houston / 2-1-1 Texas
Need shelter, food, mental health services, or financial support? Dial 2‑1‑1 anytime, and they’ll connect you to help in your area. unitedwayhouston.org
American Red Cross – Texas Gulf Coast
Beyond disaster response, they offer grief counseling and emotional support after traumatic loss. redcross.org
Legacy Community Health
Offers medical and mental health care, even if you don’t have insurance. Also helps with post-disaster support and grief resources. legacycommunityhealth.org
Mental Health America of Greater Houston
They focus on trauma recovery and can help connect you with therapists, programs, or groups that meet your needs. mhahouston.org
If Kids Are Grieving Too
Kids and teens process grief differently. They might act fine and fall apart later. Or act out. Or shut down. The best thing you can do is give them space to feel whatever they feel, and to keep talking—even if it’s messy.