The stress of drought affects all family members. Adults frequently become so preoccupied they forget that though times have an emotional, as well as a financial, impact on their children.
Children depend on their parents for emotional security.
When parents are tense, upset and inattentive, much of this security is gone. Extended drought leads to reduced income, which can mean sudden lifestyle changes for the entire family. There's less money to spend, so decisions must be made on how to spend what's there. It may mean other family members must find jobs. As drought prevents regular agriculture production activity, parents may be home more, which might call for adjusting schedules and space.