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A catastrophe such as an earthquake, hurricane, tornado,
fire, flood, or violent acts is frightening to children and adults alike. It
is important to acknowledge the frightening parts of the disaster when
talking with a child about it. Falsely minimizing the danger will not end a
child's concerns. Several factors affect a child's response to a disaster.
The way children see and understand their parents'
responses are very important. Children are aware of their parents' worries
most of the time, but they are particularly sensitive during a crisis.
Parents should admit their concerns to their children, and also stress their
abilities to cope with the situation.
A child's reaction also depends on how much destruction
and/or death he or she sees during and after the disaster. If a friend or
family member has been killed or seriously injured, or if the child's school
or home has been severely damaged, there is a greater chance that the child
will experience difficulties.
A child's age affects how the child will respond to the
disaster. For example, six-year-olds may show their worries about a
catastrophe by refusing to attend school, whereas adolescents may minimize
their concerns, but argue more with parents and show a decline in school
performance. It is important to explain the event in words the child can
understand.
Following a disaster, people may develop Posttraumatic
Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is psychological damage that can result from
experiencing, witnessing, or participating in an overwhelmingly traumatic
(frightening) event. Children with this disorder have repeated episodes in
which they re-experience the traumatic event. Children often relive the
trauma through repetitive play. In young children, upsetting dreams of the
traumatic event may change into nightmares of monsters, of rescuing others,
or of threats to self or others. PTSD rarely appears during the trauma
itself. Though its symptoms can occur soon after the event, the disorder
often surfaces several months or even years later.
Parents should be
alert to these changes in a child's behavior:
 Refusal to return to school and
"clinging" behavior, including shadowing the mother or father
around the house
Persistent fears related to the catastrophe
(such as fears about being permanently separated from parents)
Sleep disturbances such as nightmares,
screaming during sleep and bedwetting, persisting more than several days after
the event
Loss of concentration and irritability
Startled easily, jumpy
Behavior problems, for example, misbehaving in
school or at home in ways that are not typical for the child
Physical complaints (stomachaches, headaches,
dizziness) for which a physical cause cannot be found
Withdrawal from family and friends, sadness,
listlessness, decreased activity, and preoccupation with the events of the
disaster
Professional advice or treatment for children affected by
a disaster--especially those who have witnessed destruction, injury or
death--can help prevent or minimize PTSD. Parents who are concerned about
their children can ask their pediatrician or family doctor to refer them to a
child and adolescent psychiatrist.
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