The fear may last for an extended period of time and is best dealt with by kindness and understanding on the part of the parents. Research indicates that children's fears vary according to age, maturation, and previous learning experiences. In experiencing a hurricane or tornado, children may encounter three out of the four major fears. Undoubtedly, this will have an impact on their ability to cope for quite some time.
Many families ban all painful topics from family conversation.
Such mutual protection strategies reap high costs in terms of intensified despair and negativity among children. To help children cope with fears, especially those who have experienced a violent natural disaster, one of the most important steps adults can take is to share the time to talk with children. They may hit, throw, kick to show their anger. become more active and restless. be afraid of the disaster recurring. Children may want to sleep with a parent or another person. They may have nightmares.