Children still at risk after earthquake

Tayla Johnson (4) Kayley Johnson (7) and friend Holly Henderson (6) shelter under a table in preparation for aftershocks following the Canterbury earthquake. Photo / Pam Johnson

As aftershocks from Canterbury's earthquake begin to die down parents are being warned to watch for some of the shocks closer to home.

Nearly three weeks after the earthquake children could be experiencing anxiety and stress, and parents and caregivers should watch their children's behaviour, says a specialist in responses to trauma.

Massey University College of Education associate professor Steven Little said it was important for parents and caregivers to monitor any changes in their child's behaviour and said children from families unable to return to their regular routines were more at risk.

"It's difficult to return to normalcy after a major disaster but any sense of a normal routine is highly beneficial for children."

Possible behaviour changes included fear of being separated from parents, sleep disturbances, and regression of habits such as thumb sucking and bed-wetting, he said.

Dr Little had experience working with children post trauma, particularly post natural disaster.

"Consistency and routine are comforting to children and parents can set a good example by limiting their own distress when in front of their children, and communicating their feelings openly," he said.

Long-term effects would depend on the child and they could be influenced by past trauma, Dr Little said.

"Those children are more likely to experience negative effects of a natural disaster trauma. Some though, will experience post-traumatic growth in which they actually show improvement in some areas of their lives."

Dr Little assisted in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina in the United States.

- NZPA