By Sarah Farquhar  (2011)

The 22^nd February 2011 earthquake will emotionally affect most young children in Canterbury;  for some children the effects could last into adolescence, adulthood and old age. 

Research on children experiencing natural disasters and parental separation can help in giving us guidance on what might help to minimise the chances of long-term negative effects and not exacerbate the risks. 

Four key lessons arising from research findings are:

1.   It is best for young children, if possible, to stay with a caring parent rather than be evacuated to another city or be put into a foster situation somewhere else in the city

Major studies looking at the effects of separation of young children from their parents during World War II found that being evacuated to foster care or another city or country without a parent had long-term psychological consequences. Those children that stayed with a parent were emotionally better off in the long-term.   Why?  The researchers can only guess. But one theory is that when children are ‘sent away’ for their safety they don’t have any control over separation and this can make a child feel extremely vulnerable.  

Note that children who are separated the longest from their parents are likely to be most affected, possibly because they form strong attachments with people they are staying with and then suffer a second traumatic separation.

2.  It is better for a young child who has experienced a traumatic situation not to be placed in a new ECE childcare service temporarily

All the research and child development theory shows that very young children need security and familiarity.  Adjusting to and settling into a new childcare/ECE environment can take time for a young child.  When a young child suddenly can’t go back to their childcare/ECE service and they are taken to a new one having just been within a natural disaster area - it is psychologically a very big ask of a young child to adjust to being left with strangers. Early childhood service providers, who care about children will be aware of this and will be actively supporting parents to stay with their child and not temporarily use a new childcare service until their service reopens. For parents who have to return to work and desperately need childcare, early childhood service owners and managers could provide an informal  ‘baby-sitting’ service whereby a teacher/staff member known to the children provides childcare for a couple of children at a time.

3.   Leaving a Natural Disaster Area with Your Child for a While May Be Better than Staying

A study following preschool aged children after Hurricane Katrina in the USA reports that around half the children (50%) experienced post-traumatic stress. The rates of post-traumatic stress disorder were lower (about 20% lower) for the children of families who evacuated compared to those who chose to stay. 

4.   A Family-Centered Approach is Needed for Supporting Young Children

The Hurricane Katrina research also suggests that children’s post-traumatic stress symptoms can be closely correlated to their parents/caregivers new symptoms – suggesting that to help children recover successfully from a traumatic event we should also be helping and supporting their parents/caregivers.  

Something that the field of early childhood education and care can take from this, is that to truly help and support a young child who has experienced a traumatic event such as a natural disaster,  a family centered approach is needed. For example, family centered care arose in nursing after World War II when it was realised that nursing had to evolve from its traditional paternalistic attitude toward models of care that allowed for family oriented practice in children’s hospitals.

Encouraging parents to stay with their child at the service, not minding if older and young siblings stay, and transforming from a ‘child’ care service to a ‘family’ care service is what will benefit children and help their recovery most.

As well parents, caregivers, and teachers can help the young child most by being tuned into what matters for the child, their pets, their toys, and the things they like to do which bring pleasure and smiles. Work to understand the loss the young child feels and show your sensitivity and caring. 

Understand that attachments can be strained. More family violence can occur in times of stress. Not always can a parent who has experienced trauma be emotionally available for their child. 

This is a time for the community – for all of us to care about children and their emotional well-being and recovery.

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