Fear and Anxiety Fear is a normal reaction to any danger which threatens life or well-being. The child, taking parental fears as a proof that the danger is real, become afraid. This is even more of a threat when the disaster happens when the family is separated and the child can not pick up the phone and call you to let you know what has happened or just to hear your voice. A first step for parents is to understand the kinds of fear and anxiety a child experiences. Fears of being abandoned and unprotected are immediately alleviated.
Communications is most helpful in reducing the child's anxiety.
The child may then express some fears which are not real and you will have an opportunity to explore these fears and reassure the child. Listen to what the child tells you about fears. Encourage the child to talk. Wetting the bed, clinging to the parents, thumb sucking, and other problems may occur temporarily, and should not alarm you. These behaviors are only signs of the child's anxiety, and your acceptance will reassure the child and shorten the duration of such behaviors.