TAMPA, Fla. — As I sit on the floor of my bedroom closet writing this piece while getting ready for Hurricane Milton, I find myself reflecting on the impact of natural disasters on my children.

From being away from their friends to dealing with missed school, and the anxiety of uncertain events, my kids show resilience, yet they will carry scars from this experience. It hurts to know that.

This week, I hurriedly cleaned our house while my partner installed hurricane shutters on our two-story home. The rain outside made it far from ideal for being on a 16-foot ladder, but he said it had to be done immediately.

As Hurricane Milton approached, the intensity of the rain and wind served as a warning of what was ahead. On Tuesday, my family decided to evacuate south to Key Largo.

Impact of hurricanes on children’s mental wellbeing

Natural disasters like Hurricane Milton can leave deep and lasting scars on both the physical environment and mental wellbeing of communities. While the visible damages get a lot of focus, there are significant hidden impacts, especially concerning the emotional and educational challenges faced by children.

The psychological effects of hurricanes on kids can last a long time. Just think of the fear and confusion a child experiences when strong winds roar, windows break, and floodwaters rise.

The uncertainty and risks associated with such events lead many kids to feel helpless, anxious, and potentially traumatized. Research from the National Child Traumatic Stress Network indicates that children who face disasters are at an increased risk of developing PTSD, anxiety, and depression.

Kiddos often struggle to articulate their emotions, and experiencing a traumatic event like a natural disaster can result in nightmares or shifts in behavior. In the past, I noticed that my son grew increasingly clingy for several months following a storm.

Some kids might regress to earlier developmental stages, such as bedwetting, as a way of responding to their trauma.

If not addressed, traumatic reactions can linger for years, impacting children’s educational success, social connections, and emotional growth.

Missed school days can have lasting effects

Over the past three weeks, my children have missed six days of school—not by choice, but because schools were closed due to Hurricane Helene and now Hurricane Milton. In previous instances, closures were due to damage to buildings or schools being turned into shelters.

School provides crucial structure, a sense of safety, and opportunities for social interaction, all of which are vital for children’s emotional and cognitive development. Extended school closures can intensify feelings of unease and delay academic progress, especially for children like my son, who has autism and additional special needs.

Fortunately, this week marks only our second evacuation since we have lived here. It’s challenging when children are taken away from their friends and isolated at such a critical time when they seek connection.

Nonetheless, kids are incredibly resilient when they receive appropriate support after such disasters. As parents and caregivers, we can aid them by promoting open discussions about their fears and providing reassurance.

In our family, we include our children in recovery activities like neighborhood cleanups and assisting community members who have lost their homes. Such involvement can foster a sense of control, lessen emotional trauma, and help children regain their sense of safety and agency.

The aftermath of a hurricane can impact kids’ mental health and disrupt their education long after the storm has passed. Although children may struggle to articulate their trauma, with our support, they can heal and flourish.

It is our shared duty to ensure that the most vulnerable among us receive the love and support they need to recuperate and rebuild after disasters occur.