Tips for talking to children about Texas Hill Country flooding

The latest: As of Wednesday morning, the statewide death toll from floods stood at 110 people, including 36 children in Kerr County.

What they're saying: Children can be especially vulnerable to the effects of traumatic events, Adriana McKinnon, a licensed counselor at the the Children's Bereavement Center of South Texas, told KSAT.

• "They're just not able to process it as adults do," she said.

Zoom in: If kids have not brought the subject up, parents should consider opening the line of communication, Ana Ugueto of Texas Children's Hospital said in a Facebook Live video.

• It's important to use simple, straightforward language and speak calmly, Ugueto said.

The National Child Traumatic Stress Network has some more tips for parents on speaking to adolescents after disasters. They include:

• If a child is feeling detached and guilty, emphasize that their feelings are common. Redirect excessive self-blame with explanations of what actually could have been done.
• If a youngster is having fears that the event might happen again, help them to differentiate between the disaster itself and any smells, sounds or feelings they might associate with it.
• Remind them that they need family and friends for support.

Go deeper: The Children's Bereavement Center of South Texas also shared resources specific to the Hill Country flooding.