In the course of a couple of months, there have been hurricanes, an earthquake, and a snowstorm in October that sent millions into darkness with no computers, phones or television, and to a child that could seem like the end of the world, even if it’s just for a week.

While Millburn was still cleaning up from Irene, the nation commemorated the 10^th Anniversary of the attacks of  Sept. 11 and there were days of repeated footage of towers falling.

In addition, movies about the end of the earth abound. Is it any wonder that some children worry that their world’s not safe or that 2012 might actually spell bad news for the planet and its inhabitants.

Nancy Kislin Flaum, a Short Hills mom and therapist, has seen increased anxiety in children since the hurricane and the snowstorm and has decided to offer a group to help parents identify, understand and deal with increased anxiety and worry in children.

“We’ve had flooding and trees falling and people without power for days and days,” she said. “It’s been scary, especially for some children.”

Flaum decided to start the group during the latest power outage after a visit with a friend whose young son asked her if she was the “lady people talked to” then proceeded to talk to her about what had been happening.

Flaum said studies show that one in 10 children ages five to 16 suffers from an anxiety disorder. And, recent events have been enough to cause anxiety in others.

“The recent hurricane and snowstorm has created great anxiety in our children,” she said. “We’ll talk about how to help children process the events and learn how to prepare for future situations.”

Flaum will discuss with parents the warning signs of anxiety and the risks of letting anxiety go untreated, as well as strategies to help children. She will also help parents understand the three clues that their children may have anxiety – severity (whether the child's worry is out of proportion), frequency (how often the child worries) and interference (whether worrying impairs the child’s life).

The group will meet on Thursday Dec. 1 from 7:15 to 8:30 p.m. at 19 Center St. in Chatham. The cost is $25 for person or $35 per family. To reserve a spot call 973-534-7795 or email Flaum at nrgdf@aol.com