Disasters—whether natural or man-made—can leave lasting emotional and psychological effects on children. From hurricanes and wildfires to school shootings and pandemics, children experience these traumatic events differently from adults. Their developing minds and emotional frameworks make them particularly vulnerable to stress, fear, and trauma.
In this blog, we’ll explore the impact of disasters on children and provide actionable steps for parents, educators, and mental health professionals to help them heal and build resilience. We will pay particular attention to Black children and other youth of color, given their unique developmental challenges.
How Disasters Affect Children
1. Emotional and Psychological Impact
Children often experience intense fear, confusion, and anxiety following a disaster. They may struggle with:
Nightmares and sleep disturbances
Separation anxiety
Emotional outbursts or aggressive behavior
Behavioral regressions, such as bedwetting or thumb-sucking
Withdrawal from social activities
2. Physical and Cognitive Effects
Trauma can manifest in physical symptoms, including:
Headaches, stomachaches, and fatigue
Difficulty concentrating in school
Decreased academic performance
PTSD-like symptoms, if left unaddressed
3. Disruptions to Routine and Stability
Disasters often lead to displacement, loss of loved ones, or prolonged uncertainty. Children thrive on routine, and any significant disruption—such as moving to a shelter or losing a pet—can lead to distress, insecurity, and helplessness.
Dealing with Historical Trauma as an Additive Effect
Black children and other youth of color often have the additional labor of dealing with environmental stressors, such as historical trauma due to intergenerational traumas that impact them daily. Thus, current trauma may trigger underlying issues of race-based stress and other forms of marginalization. Educators, mental health providers, and other professionals working with children of color need to demonstrate cultural competence and address children’s responses to multiple traumas. Relying on and partnering with parents/caregivers, elders, and community leaders can reveal areas of strength and resilience within children’s communities.
How to Support Children After a Disaster
1. Provide a Safe and Reassuring Environment
Children need to feel secure. Parents and caregivers can help by:
Offering comfort through physical closeness and calm communication
Providing reassurance that they are safe
Maintaining a stable home environment, even amidst external chaos
2. Encourage Open Communication
Children may struggle to articulate their emotions. Support them by:
Using culturally informed activities and interventions, such as Cuentos, Testifying, and the Oshodi Pot
Encouraging storytelling, drawing, or play therapy
Validating their feelings (e.g., “It’s okay to feel scared”)
Answering their questions honestly in an age-appropriate manner
3. Rebuild Routine and Normalcy
A structured daily routine fosters stability. Parents and educators can:
Reinstate meal times, bedtime rituals, and playtime
Ensure continued schooling and participation in extracurricular activities
Use familiar objects (e.g., toys, books) to create a sense of normalcy
4. Monitor for Signs of Trauma
Not all children express distress immediately. Watch for:
Prolonged anxiety or sadness
Changes in appetite or sleep patterns
Avoidance behaviors or excessive clinginess
Persistent fears related to the disaster
Delayed emotional responses
If these symptoms persist, professional intervention may be necessary.
5. Foster Resilience Through Connection
Community support plays a vital role in recovery. Encourage children to:
Engage with friends, family, and community members
Participate in support groups or peer activities
Volunteer in community rebuilding efforts (if appropriate for their age)
6. Seek Professional Help When Needed
If distress symptoms persist, consider seeking professional support such as:
Mental health professionals trained in culture-centered, trauma-informed therapy
School counseling services
Creative therapies like art, music, or drama therapy
Conclusion
All children can be remarkably resilient but need guidance and support to process the emotional toll of disasters. By fostering open communication, re-establishing stability, and creating safe spaces for healing, we can help children navigate trauma and emerge stronger. Whether you’re a parent, educator, or mental health professional, your role in a child’s recovery is invaluable.
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