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Parenting and Behavioural Issues
: Helping Children Cope With Disasters
As a result of the September 11, 2001 horrific USA terrorist attacks,
I have received numerous e-mails form parents all over the world
on what to tell their children about the tragedy. As compared
to earlier times, these events are now shown live on TV and replayed
constantly. It is difficult to imagine that children have not
seen shocking or violent footage or at least have not heard about
the terrifying events from others. The closer to the disaster
a child is, the more he or she will be affected. Of course children
in close to the disaster area or who have suffered personal injury
or a loss of a parent or sibling need special attention and support
from a psychologist and other specialists. The way children and
adolescents react to disasters depends on individual circumstances
such as the life situation at home pre -disaster, the age and
gender.
This article will review the effects of witnessing violence or
disasters on children. This section will also describe what parents
and other caregivers can do to help ease their shock and fears
as well as how to support children during trying and tragic times.
Obviously, children directly affected will need special attention.
However children world-wide, (especially in North America) who
thanks to vivid 24 hour a day live TV and media coverage, will
also be affected and traumatized (to a lesser degree of course)
by the horrifying events that took place in New York and Washington
D.C. on September 11, 2001. Although this event sparked the writing
of this article, the facts and information pertain to children
who have witnessed any type of disaster be it natural, such as
earthquakes or floods or human-caused. As one would imagine, human-caused
disasters such as the Attack on The USA will result in higher
levels of stress in children. This stress may be experienced well
after the disaster and by children not actually directly involved
in the event.
Reactions to a disaster or catastrophe
According to the Center for Mental Health Services Administration(USA),
there are three stages of reactions to a disaster:
FIRST STAGE(During and immediately after a disaster):
Disbelief,
Denial,
Anxiety and
Grief
SECOND STAGE(Lasting a few days to several weeks after
disaster):
Clinginess,
Appetite changes,
Behaving younger than age(regression),
Sleep problems,
Apathy(not caring for anything),
Anger, and
Violent or delinquent behavior
THIRD STAGE:
This stage is referred to as reconstruction or re-building which
can take up to several years or decades, when the life of the
families are rebuilt-obviously this is more applicable to children
who lost family members in a disaster.
What is also important to know is that reactions to disaster differ
not only depending on age but also on gender. For example, boys
take longer to recover and display more aggressive and violent
behaviors. Girls however are more upset or distressed, talk about
their feelings more, have more questions and have more frequent
thoughts about the disaster itself than boys.
Effects of disasters on children:
PRE-SCHOOL CHILDREN:
Withdrawal
Playing violent games or activities
Apathy(not caring for anything)
SCHOOL-AGE CHILDREN:
School Problems
Anxiety
Somatic complaints(physical complaints such as headaches without
medical cause)
Anger
ADOLESCENTS:
Risk Taking( drugs, alcohol, speeding)
Somatic complaints
Depression
Anger
Hostile or violent behaviors
Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
For the most part, it is natural to experience a variety of symptoms/reactions
as a result of a disaster or tragedy during or immediately after
it occurs. In most case, with time things do get better. However,
if symptoms persist longer than usual or expected, this may signify
Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Not all children will develop
PTSD. PTSD usually occurs in those children or adolescents who
have actually witnessed injury, destruction or death. Regardless
of the situation, if any of the following signs or symptoms last
beyond the initial expected shock period(second stage up to several
weeks post disaster), then professional help/counseling should
be sought:
School refusal
Separation anxiety(always being with or hanging on to a parent)
Sleep problems including nightmares, bedwetting which persist
longer than a few days after the event
Decreased ability to concentrate
Increased irritability
New or uncharacteristic behavior problems
Somatic symptoms(physical symptoms with out obvious medical cause)
Withdrawal
Sadness
Listlessness
A disruptive pre occupation with the disaster events
How to help children cope with a major disaster
The key issue is communication. The more you discuss the events
with the child the better. Here are some more tips:
Adults should acknowledge and not deny that an event took place.
Keep in mind that children react (mimic) like their parents: calm
parents = calm kids.
Children need to be told that they are safe and that what they
have seen on TV occured in another area or location.
Children should be assured that their parents and the local authorities
have done everything to keep them safe.
Watch out for worrisome signs suggestive of Post Traumatic Stress
Disorder.
Do not let your children watch too much TV, as over-exposure to
the same images will be very traumatic.
Do not let your children watch these events alone. And when watching
a tragic event or disaster on TV with them, answer their questions
as confidently as possible. Remember that the key here is to be
reassuring,comforting and supportive.
Discourage the "revenge" sentiment, by explaining to them that
this will not achieve anything but rather do more harm.
It is important to return to your usual family and other activities
and routines as soon as possible.
The above suggestions apply to teachers and other caregivers as
well. Parents should discuss any related concerns and work with
other school or day care staff when dealing with their children
who have witnessed or experienced a disaster. If you are concerned,
get help for your child or family. With the proper support and
treatment from a doctor, psychiatrist, or other qualified mental/social
health professionals, the situation can improve.
Other Parenting and Behavioural Issues
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The information provided in this site is
designed to be an educational aid only. It is not intended to
replace the advice and care of your child's physician, nor is
it intended to be used for medical diagnosis or treatment. If
you suspect that your child has a medical condition, always
consult a physician.
© Autograph Communications Inc.,
All rights reserved
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