I’m from the Caribbean and know all too well the anxieties associated with the hurricane season, which runs generally from June through October each year. In other parts of the United States, there are different seasons for storms, such as tornadoes and ice. As adults, we know that we need to take appropriate measures to be prepared so that we can keep ourselves and our families safe. How can we prepare and help our children who are also experiencing these severe storms?
On a blog on the website for Nemour’s Children’s Health, which is one of the top children’s hospitals in the United States, there are 5 recommendations for parents. These recommendations can apply to any severe weather that your family may experience. Importantly, children learn how to respond based on what they hear and see happening around them, so it is important to communicate with them and keep them involved.
Here are the 5 recommendations:
Talk with your children. Use simple words to describe the nature of the storm. Assure them that you will do all that is necessary to keep them safe.
Try to remain calm and rational yourself. If your children see or hear that you are anxious, they are likely to become anxious too. Remember that they learn from you how to react in and to situations.
Involve your children in preparations. There are many hurricane and other severe weather kits and instructions to help you plan and prepare. Encourage your children to read and help you with what needs to be done. Discuss whether you will stay in your home or seek shelter elsewhere. There are many decisions that must be made, and children can be involved in making some of them.
During the storm, be sure to have your children’s comfort items close by, such as favorite stuffed animals, blankets, and toys. Also, have a variety of materials to keep them engaged such as board games, coloring books, puzzles, and books. If the electricity goes out or the internet goes down, you will need to have activities for them that do not rely on electricity or the internet.
After the storm, ask your children to participate in cleaning up. Also, try to avoid too much media coverage as the news may make them anxious and scared. Importantly, closely monitor them for signs of excessive stress, such as sleep problems.
In addition to these recommendations, please consider not telling your children “don’t be scared”. Instead, say “it’s ok to be worried, but we will do everything we can to ….” It is best not to downplay their fears, but show compassion and understanding.
To learn more, please visit:
https://blog.nemours.org/2016/06/preparing-kids-for-hurricanes-without-freaking-them-out/