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The severe earthquake in Venezuela has left many families mourning, displaced and looking for relatives. For numerous South Florida households connected to the area, the event hits particularly hard.
While parents manage their own anxiety and doubt, they often seek to assist their children in understanding the events. Earlier FIU studies indicate that youngsters need not face a catastrophe directly to feel its impact. Even far away, ongoing news reports, online posts and discussions about the tragedy can cause emotional strain.
“Earthquakes prove especially challenging since doubt may persist after the shaking ceases,” noted Jonathan Comer, FIU psychology professor and head of the Network for Enhancing Wellness in Disaster-Affected Youth program at FIU’s Center for Children and Families. “Aftershocks can cause both grown-ups and kids to question when safety returns, and this doubt can hinder regaining security.”
“Youngsters may lack terms to describe their feelings after such events,” Comer added. “Emotions sometimes appear as shifts in conduct, rest patterns or bodily symptoms. The positive aspect is that caring adults can greatly aid recovery.”
Parents need not possess every answer, Comer explained. Most important is building a secure environment where children can pose questions, share feelings and sense love plus support.
Whether a child faced the quake directly, has family in the zone or tries to process online images, Comer suggests several approaches for parents and guardians.
Show assurance: Children often gauge their worry level from nearby adults. It is acceptable for kids to see sadness, yet staying steady and comforting helps. Adult reactions can foster greater security amid doubt.
Learn what they understand: Prior to describing events, inquire what the child has heard and what questions exist. This allows correction of errors without excess details they may not handle. Provide truthful, brief replies suited to age and skip graphic elements.
Monitor viewing and limit excess: Children need not witness disasters directly to suffer effects. Repeated images and clips can heighten fear, especially for younger ones. Explain the gap between distant events and local safety. Reduce repeated disaster coverage when feasible and suggest older kids pause social media if overwhelmed.
Affirm that feelings are typical: Fear, sorrow, anger, confusion and irritation represent common responses after tragedy. Reassure that no single correct feeling exists. Some children show emotions via behavior changes, so note shifts in sleep, eating, mood or actions.
Encourage hopeful ideas: When a child shares positive or optimistic views, acknowledge them. Highlight those moments and urge continued search for kindness and strength.
Address worried thoughts: Kids may fear similar events striking them or loved ones. Instead of dismissing concerns, gently question and discuss realistic outcomes. Swapping extreme thoughts for balanced ones can ease anxiety.
Reaffirm safety: Children seek confirmation that adults work to protect them. Discuss helpers such as responders, medical staff, volunteers and neighbors aiding recovery. Emphasis on helpers brings comfort and optimism.
Keep routines steady: Maintain usual schedules for meals, sleep, school and family time where possible. Consistency restores security and signals support from caring adults.
Urge helpful actions: If children ask how to assist, encourage suitable steps.
