Our adopted children are new to the state of California. Tonight we had an earthquake measuring 5.6 on the Richter scale. The southern half of our state is being ravaged by wildfires. These are new experiences for our kids.

The earthquake hit a little after 8:00 p.m. local time. Our house, built in the 1950’s began to shake, rock and roll. It was a longish earthquake as these things go – I’m a native Californian and I’ve lived through a few to know – and it went through several phases. There was an initial jolt, then shaking, then the house began rolling – a feeling like you were on a surfboard for the first time.

Fortunately, there was no damage to our home or property. However, our children were very scared by the event. Given that my daughter suffers from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), I was concerned for her because of the trillion questions she had immediately after the quake. She also reenacted the earthquake over and over (verbally and physically). It took quite a bit of holding, talking, praying and rehearsing to help her feel “normalized” again.

We talked the kids through what to do if there were any aftershocks (after explaining what an aftershock is!). We told them where to stand in their rooms, and told them not to try and come and get us. We would come and get them.

We gave my daughter a job. We told her that she would be “Keeper of the Flashlight.” Giving her something to focus on, and something important, helped her to regain her equilibrium knowing she might be called upon to help.

We told the children that they could come to us with any fears they might have throughout the night. As long as the day has been, and as much as hubby and I had hoped to make it an early night for once, all that pales in comparison when your kids need you.

We spent some extra quality time with the kids. Our nightly prayer time was extended, and we allowed the children to stay in our room with us a little longer. We let them watch a Thomas the Tank Engine episode (their favorite character), while snuggling up.

The most important things to do in situations such as these are to prepare (physically), prepare (mentally and educationally), give lots of reassurance, and make yourself available to discuss fears.

It’s too soon to know how well this went over as they’ve not yet gone to bed yet (they are a little amped up from the event), but I anticipate it will be a tough night for sleep. We’ll be there for them, and help them to know that God is, too.