1. Children need to be with their family and to feel safe and secure.
Physical reassurance is a great way to comfort children. You can give your child a sense of security by physically holding and reassuring them. Use simple sentences, such as, “We are all safe now” or “I will take care of you.”
2. Children regain a sense of control by talking about their experience.
Refrain from telling your child the disaster is “nothing to be afraid of.” Instead, listen to their worries and acknowledge their feelings. Never tell them they do not need to talk about their feelings or the incident itself, this can do more harm than good.
You may gently express your own concerns: “I was worried too when the lights went out” — but follow up with comforting words, such as: “But I was glad we had a flashlight.” Children need to know that their family members understand and share their worries, but it is best to complete the conversation on a positive note.
3. It is important to talk to children honestly.
At the same time, too much information can be scary and confusing to young children.
Since parents and caregivers often have their own feelings to deal with, this can be a delicate issue. Parents must distinguish between their own feelings and their child’s feelings. It is essential that children are not burdened with the full extent of their parent’s or caregiver’s worries. Share worries in an age-appropriate manner.
4. Remain as calm as possible; maintain routines as much as you can.
Adult conversations about the disaster should be reserved for after children have gone to bed or out of their earshot.
Observe usual meal and bedtime rituals, even if there is no light or water. Routines can help provide a sense of security.
If children’s schools and daycare centers are open, keep their routine. Do not keep children at home, but expect them to be more clingy and suffer from more separation anxiety.
5. Expect regressive behavior.
Children may begin sucking their thumbs, wetting the bed, and they may become afraid of being left alone. In general, regressive behaviors will go away in the days, weeks and months following the disaster.
If children’s fears or anxious behaviors persist or if children suffer from delayed reactions, parents should seek professional counseling.
