It is normal for children to be afraid, especially after a natural disaster. The fear may last for an extended period of time and is best handled with kindness and understanding on the part of the parents. Research indicates that children's fears vary according to age, maturation, and previous learning experiences. Another important aspect of children's fears is that they may be intensified when adults refuse or are reluctant to discuss them with children.
Many families ban all painful topics from family conversation.
Such strategies inflict high costs in terms of intensified despair and negativity among children. To help children cope with fears, one of the most important steps adults can take is to take 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.