Children's Reactions

Children show a remarkable resistance to disasters. Those affected, however, show temporary emotional upsets manifested by insomnia, clinging to parents, dependency and fear.

After disasters, children usually fear

• Recurrence, injury or death
• Being separated from parents
• Being left alone

How to cope

These steps can help:

• Keep the family together. Avoid leaving the child alone
• Give assurances by word and deed
• Listen to what a child says about his/her fears
• Encourage the child to talk about his/her reactions to the disaster
• Include children in clean up activities
• Parents must control their own fears and seek professional help if:
• Sleeping problems are prolonged
• Clinging behaviour doesn't diminish
• Fear becomes worse.