SunStar Binghay Published on: Jun 12, 2026, 10:54 am
Earthquakes are unpredictable in terms of where and when they will strike, and they come without warning. The results can be devastating, as aside from severe damage to the environment, survivors of such disasters are sure to be injured, bruised, and traumatized. The most heartbreaking are those who did not make it and were buried. In the case of the 7.8 magnitude earthquake that hit Mindanao, children who were attending the first day of classes were the most traumatized. In fact, over 6,000 public schools were affected.
Role of Parents, Teachers, and Caregivers
We, as parents, teachers, and caregivers of children, have a significant role in helping them feel safe and return to normalcy.
1. Reassure the Child of Safety
First, assure the child that they are safe. Speak calmly and slowly, and explain that such events are unavoidable because they come without warning and are acts of God. Also, let them know that the family is doing everything to keep everyone safe.
2. Offer Comfort
Offer hugs, hold their hand, or stay close to them to alleviate their anxiety and worry.
3. Encourage Expression of Feelings
Encourage them to express their feelings (fear, sadness, anger, confusion) through conversation, writing, drawing, play, or music.
4. Gradually Restore Routine
Gradually bring back their usual schedule for meals, school, play, and sleep, as this helps them return to their normal routine.
5. Limit Exposure to Media
Limit their exposure to television, radio, or internet coverage of the earthquake, as it can easily trigger memories. Monitor what they watch on TV, social media, or online. Model calmness yourself. Manage your own stress first, as this helps calm the children who are watching you. If you keep screaming or trembling, they will automatically follow.
6. Be Patient with Trauma Symptoms
Extend your patience and understanding if the child shows symptoms of trauma such as nightmares, clinginess, frequent hugging, irritability, lack of focus, withdrawal, hiding, or thumb-sucking.
Normalize Their Feelings
Explain to the child that the events were indeed scary, but it is normal to be afraid, and they should not worry because the whole family is working together to help each other.
