Should parents and educators discuss disaster issues with children?
I am writing about a slightly different topic today, but this is very important for preparing children for a possible disaster.
I am from a country where natural disasters are widespread. This situation makes me think about it, and I worked a bit on this topic earlier in my academic career. My experience encourages me to write this article on whether parents and educators should discuss disaster issues with their children. Not focusing on a specific disaster, I am discussing the importance of preparing children for potential disasters, as preparedness can help prevent many potential harms.
Disasters can happen at any time, with or without notice. The bitter truth is that children, whether at home or at school, are most vulnerable during and after a disaster. A disaster interrupts children’s daily routine, and they can be emotionally and mentally distressed as a result. Because disasters are not common or infrequent in many cases, many parents and educators may view them as less important. However, the truth is that children are quick learners, and if parents and educators discuss this with them, they can mentally prepare for what to do and what not to do during and after a disaster.
We, either as parents or educators, want to save our children from all unusual situations. We want to ensure that our children are safe both physically, mentally and emotionally. We take all measures to protect them from all natural calamities.
The question is: should parents and educators discuss disaster issues in advance with their children to better prepare them? Some parents or educators may think that discussing disaster issues with children could cause worry. This concern is valid; however, in my view, parents and educators should discuss disaster issues with children.
Now comes the question again: Why should parents or educators discuss the disaster with children?
There are plenty of reasons behind this stand. I am going to discuss some of them, focusing on knowledge, awareness and practical aspects.
Whether small or large, a disaster is always stressful for everyone, but it can deeply affect children. Disaster can create a traumatic situation in children’s minds, can grow into a disruptive situation and negatively impact children’s mental health and overall well-being.
In a disaster situation, an adult can cope quickly, whereas this might not be true for children. Children can see a disaster situation from a very different viewpoint than an adult can imagine.
For instance, if a child has not faced a disaster before, she or he may panic, feel fear, and experience uncertainty. This is one of the main reasons parents and educators need to prepare children for a possible disaster, carefully focusing on knowledge, awareness, and readiness, and avoiding worry.
Discussing a possible disaster with children can also raise awareness that, while children do not face natural disasters, they may occur. This knowledge and awareness can foster a growth mindset among children, helping them be aware and ready for a possible disaster.
Children learn not only through activities; they also gain several ideas for their higher mental development by discussing phenomena with an adult. Therefore, discussing disaster issues with children develops a new situation that did not occur but can happen in the future. This state of mind also prepares children to cope with a new situation.
We know that discussions lead to action. If a parent or educator discusses disasters, children may show interest in understanding the issue in their immediate environment.
For instance, after discussing a possible disaster, children can show their interest in playing something about it. Disaster preparedness is a broad topic, but children can understand the basics through their play activities. One of the greatest psychologists, Vygotsky, discussed a concept called the Zone of Proximal Development. According to the concept, children can extend their understanding with the support of adults. So, while children may get some ideas about what to do in an unusual situation, they can gain more by discussing it with adults.
If you are not sure about how to talk to children about disasters, you may read these guidelines provided by UNICEF Australia: How to talk to children about disasters.
This kind of discussion has several impacts, but the most important is the practice. When children learn something, they want to apply it in a real situation. Therefore, discussing disaster issues with children can turn into a concept for their play. These play activities can, on the one hand, make them familiar with a disaster situation, and on the other hand, make them more confident about what to do during and after a disaster.
While adults may not be aware, children are great planners. Sometimes adults overlook simple tasks that children can catch easily. So, if parents and educators discuss the preparedness plan for a natural disaster, they can also contribute to the plan. Children are not people who can act only by the instructions of adults; instead, they can participate actively in the planning and action processes. So, if educators and parents discuss the whole scenario, they can get some valuable suggestions and ideas from children on what to do before, during and after a disaster.
It should be noted that disaster experiences are personal, and children can be deeply affected by them. Discussing the consequences of a possible disaster can help all family members and the school team prepare to avoid damage; on the other hand, this discussion can empower children from planning to action.