The earthquake can cause serious negative effects, fears and traumas on a child's mental health. Some small accumulations, such as avoiding communicating with the child about the earthquake and avoiding the questions asked, may impair children's mental health in the future, which may lead to earthquake trauma in children. Therefore, it is important not to underestimate children's anxiety, to solve the problem in a timely manner and to take precautions.
There are some things that families should pay attention to after an earthquake. For example, after an earthquake, families should not leave their children and go anywhere that could be dangerous, and if they have to go, they should definitely take their children with them.
How should earthquakes be explained to children?
Parents are also afraid of earthquakes, but because they can hide their fears and emotions, children do not feel their fear. However, there is no harm in letting children know the fears that parents feel. This sharing encourages the child to talk about their feelings and fears.
Communication is the most useful way to reduce the anxiety of the child and the adult. In this way, the child can get rid of unrealistic fears and the family can help the child by exploring these fears. Some children are better able to express their fears during play. If the fears that arise during play are not real, it is necessary to explain them to the child and convince him/her.
Quiet and withdrawn children should be encouraged to talk. In such cases, it may be useful to involve other members of the family or neighbor children. An environment where the child can discuss these issues should be provided.
In these discussions, phrases such as "I know you are scared" or "it is a terrible feeling" are useful and should be used. It is also persuasive to say that being afraid is normal and natural. The child's fears should not completely disrupt or interfere with the family's activities and daily life.
How to Prevent Fear of Earthquakes in Children?
There are some steps that can be taken to prevent fear of earthquakes in children. In order to prevent earthquakes and fears, it is important to raise awareness and encourage children. Parents should share their fears with the child. In cases where the child has difficulty sleeping and does not want to go to his/her room alone, the family should sleep with the child for a certain period of time.
However, it is inconvenient for the child to sleep with mom and dad for a long time. For this reason, the child should be gently sent to his/her room after a few days. It may be helpful to leave the room light on so that the child is not frightened. When the child goes to bed, he/she may have difficulty falling asleep, wake up frequently at night and have nightmares.
When should support be sought?
Most parents can help their child overcome their fears. However, if they cannot help, they should not see this as a failure. Some children may need psychological support and specialist help. Some families may not agree to see a mental health specialist. In such cases, even phone calls can help the child's psychology.
Fear of earthquakes in children can lead to traumas in the future. It is important to get psychological support to prevent such situations and to eliminate the problems experienced by children.