Children affected by the recent flood crisis will benefit from a quick return to their normal routine.

And some, but not all, may benefit from talking about their experiences, says psychology and couselling expert Dr Jane Shakespeare-Finch.

Dr Shakespeare-Finch, a senior lecturer at the Queensland University of Technology (QUT), said the recent flood tragedy could affect children in a variety of ways.

"For approximately the next month, there will be a range of reactions that would be considered normal," she said.

"If after four weeks, these normal reactions haven't dissipated, that's when parents should seek help from psychologists, counsellors, or trauma experts."

These reactions include:

• Children who have been directly affected may get intrusive thoughts - where they picture images of the floods and may have nightmares.
  
• If they are really young they may have separation anxiety. They may not want to be away from their parents and things that are familiar to them.
  
• Older children might be unusually irritable, or withdrawn, or acting out in an aggressive way.
  
• For country kids - they might not want to go near a dam or river or things that remind them of the flood.

What parents can do

• Return to normal routines as soon as you can. Even if your house has been gutted, do things you normally do - if you usually go to the park, go to the park. If you normally take your dog for a walk, do that. It creates a sense that the immediate danger has gone.
  
• Don't pre-empt or tell the child how to feel or react.
  
• Be open and accepting of their individual reaction.
  
• Talking about how they feel is useful. But if they can't talk or don't want to, draw pictures, listen to music, do things that give them a capacity to express how they feel.
  
• It might even be kicking a ball to let out some frustration. Allow them to express themselves, but make sure they get to do this in a safe environment.
  
• Don't forget to hug your kids and remind them you're there and they are safe.
  
• One of the things you can do if you're wanting children to have some good experiences come out of this would be to assist other people in some way. Just like adults, it helps kids to realise how fortunate they are, and they feel good about themselves helping others.

Beyond this initial aftermath period, Dr Shakespeare-Finch said parents and carers needed to watch out for physical symptoms.

"If a child hasn't been able to adequately express him or herself, or process the traumatic experience, their trauma can manifest in their body, even long after the event," she said. 

"Watch for things like belly aches or aching legs. Of course it is always wise to seek medical assistance, but in some cases it might be a physical manifestation of trauma."

Dr Shakespeare-Finch has worked with trauma survivors, including emergency service personnel and people affected by natural disasters, for 13 years.