Catastrophic events like earthquakes, floods, traffic accidents or a burglary can be traumatic enough for an adult. For a child, this experience can be far more devastating. Parents, both during and after the event can do a great deal to make a child understand what is going on and acknowledge the fear associated in the event. Children aren't going to stop worrying just because parents minimize the danger they face, and they should be careful not to neglect the emotional needs of children as they cope with disaster.

Everyone reacts to stressful events differently, and kids are no exception. Some children can be a bundle of nerves, some never let their distress show, and others won't exhibit effects form the even for weeks or even months after.

Children watch their parents for cues.  How parents respond to disaster has much to do with how children will cope, especially since children will be at a heightened sensitivity as the look to their parents. Parents should be open about their concerns, but also be clear about how the disaster is to be dealt with. While most kids move on with their lives, witnessing the death or serious injury of a friend of family member, or the destruction of one's home or school will certainly increase the likelihood of long-term trauma.

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Children will react differently depending on their age. Six-year-olds will express their anxiety by refusing to leave their parents to attend school or other functions, while teens may be quiet about their concerns, but respond with belligerence and anger towards parents.

After witnessing tragedy, Posttraumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD) is a common reaction for a mind trying to protect itself from shock. Children who experience disaster are not unlike soldiers returning from war, re-experiencing the even in repeated episodes. While PTSD is rare during the trauma itself, it could be years before the the trauma manifests itself. This can often be seen  in repetitive play, or in the case of the younger ones, upsetting dreams of monsters, a frantic need to rescue others, or other troubling nightmares.Younger children may obsess over certain words or symbols in no way related to the event, develop strong seperation anxiety, or lose some developmental skill, such as playing well with others or toilet training.

According to Dr. Jessica Hamblen, lead investigator in the Services and Treatment Research Study, Cognitive Behavioral Therapy for Postdisaster Distress, the onset of symtoms of PTSD can occur long after the event. Many kids are often misdiagnosed by mental health professionals and unfairly judged by parents after acting out or doing poorly in school. Hamblen also said that children often do not experience the "flashbacks" associated with adult PTSD, but instead experience the phonomenon of "time skew" and "omens." Time skew, is a condition where the child remembers the tragedy in a way that doesn't conform to chronological order.The child's memory of the event does not follow the order in which they really happened. Omen formation means that the child believes that the traumatic event had warning signs that were ignored, and if he or she plays close enough attention, he will be able to avert disasters in the future, simply by looking for these "omens."

Parents can do much to help children both during and after a crisis.  During a crisis, it is important to keep your cool. Children are going to feed off of whatever it is you do, so if you panic and your family experiences chaos and confusion, it will affect your child in a very profound and dangerous way. Children, especially younger children, often don't have the vocabulary to express their emotions. It's important that parents talk to their children about their feelings and teach their children words that help them express them like "relieved," "angry," or "afraid." Children should not be expected to be tough or brave and should be assured that they can cry.  They need to be reassured constantly during disaster. It is important to do so. It's important to talk straight to kids and let them know what is going on, but be careful not to overwhelm them with too much information they may not understand.

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After the event, it's important to go back to a regular schedule. It's important to be there for them as they will need time to adjust and you will have to be patient in reassuring whatever it is that is troubling them. Keeping children close and from feeling isolated will also go a long way in helping them recover from the trauma. Give your children extra privileges during this time, like choosing what to eat for dinner, or keeping a light on after bedtime. Make sure to help them keep their faith in adults. Keep your promises to them and keep them optimistic about the future by making plans and sticking to them. Find ways to let children know you love them. Don't just tell them. 

Children under 11 are three times as likely to experience PTSD or other long term symptoms of stress from the event, but all children cope better if their parents and other adults help them with their experiences.

Professional treatment or advice can prevent or greatly lessen the impact of PTSD, especially if the child has witnessed severe destruction, injury, or death. A family doctor or pediatrician can help refer you to a child or adolescent psychiatrist for an evaluation.

Professional advice or treatment for children affected by a disaster--especially those who have witnessed destruction, injury or death--can help prevent or minimize post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). Parents who are concerned about their children can ask their pediatrician or family doctor to refer them to a child and adolescent psychiatrist for an evaluation.  It is recommended that kids see a mental health expert who is a registered member of the International Society of Traumatic Stress Studies (ISTSS).

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