Hurricane Ike and the long recovery from its devastation are going to increase the risk of emotional stress to our children.
Parents who are fearful of losing a job, grieving over the loss of housing and all the family “stuff” must be aware of how they might feed their children’s anxieties. Economic disturbance resulting from the present state of the world economy, the loss of a place of business, and in company cutbacks and layoffs will be a very potent cause of family stress in the coming weeks.
Parents can discuss such problems in earnest with age-appropriate terms with their children, but they must emphasize that, though the times are uncertain, the love each parent feels for the child isn’t at issue.
Parents should be understanding of episodes of bad dreams of monsters, rescuing others, or threats to self or others. Fears may also work their way out in play. Children may become more withdrawn or more aggressive.
Remember, though, that children are normally anxious from time to time. They normally experience fears of separation from parents when young and fear many things, such as storms, animals or strangers, as they grow older.
Be alert to changes in a child’s behavior such as:
• Persistent fears related to separation from parents;
• Sleep disturbances such as nightmares, crying or bed-wetting;
• Misbehavior at school or home in ways not typical for the child; and
• Physical complaints — stomach aches, headaches, dizziness — with no apparent physical cause.
If you feel any such changes have gone on too long or can be attributed to the ongoing events, discuss the matter with your pediatrician who can, if necessary, refer you to a qualified mental health professional. One way or the other, remember to hug your child.
Sally Robinson is a professor of pediatrics at UTMB Children’s Hospital, and Keith Bly is a hospitalist and assistant professor of pediatrics. This column is not intended to replace the advice of a physician. For information, contact your pediatrician. Or, contact Robinson and Bly at utmb.kids(at)utmb.edu. To view past articles, visit the UTMB Web site at www.utmb.edu/Childrens/RobinsonBly/HealthyKids.asp.
