Controlling Fear and Reducing the Anxiety of Children in a Disaster

Children especially young children depend on their routines. Hurricanes can be very disruptive to the routines of households in affected areas. While each of us may experience various degrees of fear during a hurricane, for children hurricanes are very traumatic, when they don't know what to do. During a hurricane you may have to leave your home and daily routine behind and children may become anxious, confused and frightened. It is very important to have plans that will help to reduce their fears.

As adults we develop routines that help us to get through the day. Children do the same thing. We help to put them in these routines to make their lives and our lives easier. When a pattern is disrupted it causes fear and anxiety to creep into their lives.

Before, during and after a hurricane and all its preparations your children will look to you and other members of your household and community for support. They will look to you about how they should react. If you show severe stress and alarm they may become even more scared than is normal. They will see your fear as proof of the danger. These fears my even encourage their dreams and imagination to cause a greater sense of danger than what is actually there. It is always prudent to present realistic, honest updates of the situation to children. Honesty with your small children will help them to manage their fears and imaginations.

Being afraid in a dangerous situation is normal for both children and adults. But as an adult you must control your fears and maintain control of the situation. When you are out of immediate danger you must assess your children and their emotional state. Look for the signs of anxiety and ask questions about what is bothering them and ask for their input on projects to make them feel needed and helpful. Working together as a family and with others in the community will help them guide their life back to normal. Your response in this time of crisis can set the stage for how your children will react to problems for the rest of their life.

Children and even adults are very afraid of the same thing happening again. They are afraid of injury and death and from separation from their family. You must help to alleviate the fear that you will not leave the alone and give them guidance in case they find themselves alone.

As you create your hurricane survival plan include your children so that everyone knows what to do when a hurricane occurs.

Teach your child the danger signals and how to respond. Explain how to call for help and when they should call for help. Make sure your children have memorized important family information. They should also know where to meet and who to call in case of emergency.

Immediately after the hurricane and during the recovery period try to reduce your child's fear by keeping the family together and make the children a part of all the activities that get you back to your normal routine. Tell your child what has happened making sure that you are talking to your child and not down to them. Encourage your children to express their thoughts and fears to you also. Give them responsibilities and chores to keep their bodies and minds busy.

By understanding their fears and anxieties you can work to calm them with firmness and love. You will help them to realize that their lives will be back to normal soon. Seek help when you need it from professional sources and remember to keep encouraging them as time passes.