We were shakin’ and bakin’ the other day. As if three digit temperatures were not sufficient, nature chose to further demonstrate her powers by reminding us that we reside on a living planet. As I watched people duck and cover on live television, I thought about how often natural disasters such as earthquakes create emotional adjustment problems for children. Children’s reactions vary depending upon the event’s impact on family life, the child’s developmental level, and the child’s temperament.
Most children take their cues from adults’ reactions. Caregivers who provide verbal and physical support, and react calmly serve as sources of comfort and reassurance. But there are some occasions when even the presence of calm, nurturing adult is not enough. The fearful, anxious child may develop adjustment problems that linger long after the event.
Common reactions include difficulty sleeping, increased fearfulness, behavior problems, and school avoidance. Children fear a repeat of the frightening event, of being left alone with no one to help, or of injury to themselves or a loved one.
There are many things that parents can do to diminish the child’s anxiety. Listen carefully and allow the child to describe the event or to draw it from her perspective so that any misconceptions or specific fears can be identified. Help her to clarify questions and provide information regarding the causes of events such as earthquakes or storms. Knowledge helps demystify events and returns a sense of personal control. Assure the child of the family’s ability to protect her and to cope with an emergency situation. Give younger children extra cuddling and opportunities for physical closeness. Provide regular daily routines, balance support with consistency and firmness. Be patient, listen, and be prepared to revisit the same questions several times.
Finally, parents can help the child develop feelings of mastery and increase active coping skills by having her help prepare for any future occurrence. Developing a family crisis plan and constructing individual emergency kits can be very empowering.
Remember, a child may develop fears after an earthquake even when nothing catastrophic has happened to the family. But parents can help to return a sense of normalcy by providing recognition through listening, and reassurance by providing knowledge and sense of personal control.
For further information contact at 661-255-2688.