The devastation caused by hurricanes can be overwhelming to anyone, but poses unique challenges for children. Compared to adults, children suffer more from exposure to disasters--including psychological, behavioral, and physical problems, as well as difficulties learning in school.
While a nationally representative study found that 14 percent of children in the United States (ages 2-17 years) have experienced a disaster, most will never have direct experience. However, even those who hear about a disaster or see images on television may show symptoms of posttraumatic stress disorder (PTSD), depression, and anxiety. Psychological impacts on children are particularly likely to reverberate after a disaster.
There are many excellent resources to help children recover from hurricanes and other natural disasters (see below). Several common themes emerge from these resources and other research:
- Understand that trauma reactions vary widely. Children may regress, demand extra attention, and think about their own needs before those of others-natural responses that should not be met with anger or punishment.
- Remember that the presence of a sensitive, nurturing, and predictable adult is one of the most important factors to children's well-being following a disaster.
- Create a safe environment where children's basic needs (shelter, food, clothing) are met, and routines exist to provide children with a sense of safety and predictability (e.g., regular schedules).
- Keep children busy. Boredom can intensify negative thoughts and behaviors, but children are less like to experience distress when they play and interact.
- Limit children's exposure to images and descriptions of the disaster (e.g., media and adult conversation). Talk with children about what they see and hear.
- Make sure that adults and other caregivers receive the necessary attention, support, and care.
- Seek professional help if a child's difficulties do not improve. The National Child Traumatic Stress Network (NCTSN) recommends seeking help if problems persist longer than six weeks after a hurricane.
- Find age-appropriate ways for children to help. Even very young children benefit from being able to make a positive difference in others' lives while learning important lessons about empathy, compassion, and gratitude.
- Emphasize hope and positivity. Children need to feel safe, secure, and positive about their present and future. Seeing and hearing stories of people helping people in difficult times is both healing and reassuring.
For more resources and to read Jessica Dym Bartlett's article, please click here.
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