Earthquakes are among the most destabilizing natural experiences for humankind. The suddenness and unpredictability with which the earth manifests itself not only impacts physical infrastructure but also shakes the emotional stability of the population.
Following the recent earthquakes in Venezuela and reports of disasters in the region, families face the complex challenge of comforting their young children. Amid the uncertainty, the priority must be to help children process what has happened and gradually restore their sense of security.
According to psychologist Yadira Hidalgo, fear, anxiety, and hypervigilance are completely expected and adaptive responses to the threat posed by an earthquake. However, in the case of children, their interpretation of reality depends largely on their surrounding environment. For this reason, the role of mothers, fathers, and other caregivers becomes crucial in managing the post-traumatic impact.
Validating emotions. The first fundamental step in providing psychological support to children is creating safe spaces for conversation. Hidalgo points out that the most common mistake adults make is trying to reassure children by saying things like "it's okay" or "don't be afraid anymore." These expressions, although well-intentioned, often invalidate the child's emotions and make them feel misunderstood.
It's best to establish open, calm, and natural communication about what happened. Ask them directly what they felt, what they imagine when the earth moves, and what they are afraid of. Explaining the phenomenon of earthquakes using simple but clear language appropriate to their age allows them to cognitively structure the experience.
Validating their emotions involves reminding them that feeling fear is a completely human response to danger, and that it is normal for some apprehension to remain about the possibility of further aftershocks.
Daily routines. When an earthquake occurs, the sense of predictability in the environment is shattered. For children, this translates into a loss of control that generates profound anxiety. One strategy to counteract this phenomenon is the gradual restoration of daily family habits. Maintaining fixed schedules for meals, playtime, rest, and naps sends a clear and unconscious signal that daily life continues and that safety has returned.
Nighttime sleep is often one of the areas most affected by post-earthquake anxiety. If a child has difficulty falling asleep or expresses terror at being alone in their room, the specialist advises against immediately and permanently moving them to the parents' bed. Ideally, the child should be accompanied in their own room: sit beside them, offer physical presence and emotional support until they fall asleep, gradually reducing the physical distance over the following days.
Likewise, maintaining recreational activities and interaction with other children contributes significantly to channeling accumulated stress.
The role of adults. A crucial aspect that requires rigorous supervision by adults is the exposure of minors to the media and social networks.
The constant and repetitive viewing of shocking images, harrowing testimonies, or alarmist reports about new earthquakes increases cortisol levels in children, keeping them in an unnecessary state of alert. Implementing a "diet of images" and limiting media content at home is essential to protect their mental health.
On the other hand, Hidalgo emphasizes that children process the level of threat by observing the response of their caregivers. If adults react with shouting, uncontrolled crying, or panic to any slight noise, children will assume that the danger is imminent and constant. Working on emotional self-regulation in adults doesn't mean hiding fear, but rather demonstrating a calm attitude that conveys security and composure.
Warning signs. While initial displays of fear are to be expected, certain persistent behaviors require specialized attention. Among the warning signs are prolonged apathy, frequent and uncontrollable crying, severe changes in appetite, social isolation, or a lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. If these symptoms persist, it is recommended to consult a mental health professional.
The specialist reminds us that children's well-being begins with the caregiver's stability. Anxiety in the face of natural disasters affects the entire family, and recognizing one's own emotional limits, as well as seeking professional support to process stress or anxiety in adults, is essential to providing the firmness and support that young children need.
Recommendations
- It encourages expression through artInvite them to draw, paint, or sculpt with playdough what they felt during the earthquake.
- Practice simple breathing exercisesShe teaches techniques such as smelling a flower and blowing out a candle to help them self-regulate their nervous system when they feel anxious.
- Prepare a personal backpack with them.Involve them in preparing the emergency kit by letting them pack a small toy, a coloring book, or a comfort object.
- Increase reassuring physical contactIncrease hugs, caresses, and skin-to-skin contact.
- Observe and respond to bodily symptomsStress in children often manifests as stomach aches or headaches.
