A natural disaster that results in losing power, telephone, or no school for days can add up to a frightening experience for everyone, especially children. A child's ability to cope is different than that of an adult. Here are some typical reactions of children during a storm or disaster. Children may:
- Be upset at the loss of a favorite blanket, teddy bear, etc.
- Be angry. They may hit, throw, or kick to show their anger.
- Become more active and restless.
- Be afraid of the disaster recurring. They may ask many times, "Will it happen again?"
- Be afraid to be left alone or afraid to sleep alone. Children may want to sleep with a parent or another person. They may have nightmares.
- Behave as they did when younger. They may start sucking their thumbs, wetting the bed, asking for a bottle, or want to be held.
- Have symptoms of illness, such as nausea, vomiting, headaches, not wanting to eat, or running a fever.
- Be quiet and withdrawn, not wanting to talk about the experience.
- Become upset easily -- cry and whine frequently.
- Feel guilty that they caused the disaster because of some previous behavior.
- Feel neglected by parents who are busy trying to clean up and rebuild their lives/homes.
- Refuse to go to school or child care. The child may not want to be out of the parents' sight.
- Become afraid of loud noises, rain, or storms.
- Not show any outward sign of being upset. Some children may never show distress because they do not feel upset. Other children may not give evidence of being upset until several weeks or months later.
Here are some ways you can help children cope:
- Tell children simply and matter-of-factly about storm-related problems and how they are being handled. Children are mirrors of their parents. Your calmness or stress can be reflected in how they behave.
- Involve children in safe, routine activities such as finding extra blankets for beds or preparing snacks. This makes them feel a part of the family.
- Be prepared. Children may start acting "silly" and misbehaving. This is normal if a child is scared or doesn't understand the situation. An extra amount of understanding and patience is usually necessary.
- Discuss your feelings with your child and ask him or her to share feelings with you.
- Prepare them by talking about it. Visiting a shelter or staying with unfamiliar people/places can be scary to children. Let them know how long the stay will be and take along familiar items, such as a blanket or toy.
Here are some tips for handling cabin fever with small children:
- Be creative. Play dress up, play games, allow them to show some imagination.
- Read with your child. Share stories from your childhood. Make up stories about winter weather, etc.
- Have a scavenger hunt in your home. Items may include a pair of socks, a book about animals, a teddy bear, or a red truck.
- Do some mini-school lessons such as a spelling bee or math problems.
- Look through (and organize, if needed) your photo albums. This activity should generate some childhood stories.
- Do puzzles together. This is a great way to have fun, be together, and make the time go faster.
- Make a book about the storm. Let kids draw pictures and write the text. (If they aren't old enough to write, write words for them.) Stitch the book together with yarn or staples.
- Provide play that relieves tension. Work with playdough or paint. Use water play. If children need to hit or kick, give them something safe, like a pillow, ball, or balloon. Give them a safe, open place to play.
- Observe your child at play. Listen. Often, children express fear or anger while playing with dolls, trucks, or friends.
