HOW TO EXPLAIN THE EARTHQUAKE TO CHILDREN?
Ps. Seda Soylu
Our country is in a geography where many fault lines are located, earthquakes occur frequently, great wounds and sad events occur. While everyone is affected by the devastating results of the earthquake, children can be curious and uneasy, and families have difficulty explaining this situation to their children in the face of the earthquake-oriented news in the media. Children who are faced with visual and written news about the earthquake and the earthquake stories told can struggle with fears of real events or imaginary fears (ghost, monster, etc.). Coping with this challenging mood may be more difficult for children. For this reason, it is very important to talk about earthquakes with children.
So, how to explain the earthquake to children?
● The explanations should be appropriate to the age and development of the child.
● The questions asked by the child about the earthquake should not be overlooked, but should be answered in a clear and age-appropriate way. The answers should not be left to the child’s own imagination. The situation should be concreted. Little games or storytelling techniques can be used to embody it.
For example: “In a large forest there were many trees, and on each tree there were many bird nests. Birds live happily in all nests. One night, there was a big storm, a lot of noise was heard and the nests of the birds were destroyed…
Then, the storm was over. All the animals rebuilt their nests together and continued to live happily as before.
● As an earthquake precaution, the action plan to be implemented in case of danger, safe areas at home and outside, what to do in the event of an earthquake can be discussed with the children, and an earthquake kit can be prepared.
● Talk to children about the life triangle position and emergency numbers.
● Negative facts and debris incidents should not be talked about too much in the presence of children.
● The most important need for children who are directly or indirectly affected by the earthquake is to make contact and feel safe.
● Talking to children reduces their fear and anxiety. Talking to children, reminding them that they are safe and not alone, and being present even if they are standing next to them is one of the most important things to do. The most effective first aid for both children and adults after an earthquake is to LOOK, LISTEN, CONNECT.
● In order to reduce the negative effects after the traumatic event, great attention should be paid to good nutrition and regular sleep.
● If there are ongoing effects in the future, it is necessary and important to get support from a mental health professional for children who have difficulties in coping with an earthquake or earthquake stress.
