The world is watching as Japan struggles with the aftermath of its 8.9 magnitude earthquake and subsequent tsunami. You need to decide if you want your children watching as well.
As a native Angelino, I can still remember what it felt like to wake up in the middle of the night to the rumble and sway and the pops of electrical lines outside my bedroom window. Earthquake drills were an annual and yawn-inducing event at my elementary school, and everyone I knew had stolen a granola bar from their earthquake preparedness kit at one point or another (myself included). But no matter how “routine” earthquakes had become, I still feared them. And nothing compared to those few moments as the shaking began when I ran into my mom’s bedroom, terrified and confused. What was an earthquake? Why did our earth shake? Should I be afraid?
Even if an earthquake, flood or tornado has never directly impacted your life, natural disasters have undoubtedly affected people all over the world in record numbers. Death, destruction, disaster – these are heavy subjects for anyone, but children can be acutely affected by what they hear. Reports on the evening news can impact them in ways you may not expect, so always use caution when exposing them to breaking stories and images. Sheltering children completely from world events isn’t the answer either – you know your child better than anyone, so gauge how much information is too much information, and discuss accordingly.
You don’t need to be a science buff to talk to your kids about plate tectonics, seismometers and cumulus clouds. Engage your child’s teacher for tips and encourage them to cover the science behind timely subjects in class. You can also head to your public library for informative books and videos that you and your child can share. Local science museums offer interactive exhibits that are great for active and curious kids, and it’s something you can do together. Oftentimes, the more children learn the why behind traumatic events, the less mysterious and intimidating they become.
The technical information they may need to learn is a challenge in and of itself, but how it makes them feel could last a lifetime. Engage the curious, young minds in your household and approach current events as a teachable moment and an opportunity for learning.
Visit the U.S. Department of Health & Human Services for more tips on helping your kids cope with natural disasters.
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Wendy Wegner is editor of educational content for 1 On 1 Academic Tutors in Los Angeles. Visit her on the Web at www.wendywegner.com.
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